Brussels, 10/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - Cereal production in the EU in 2011-2012 is forecast to be 280.1 million tonnes, according to information provided at the end of last week by COPA (Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations) and COGECA (General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives). Despite the poor weather conditions, this represents a 1.9% cereal production rise compared with 2010-2011. Production of soft wheat is expected to reach 134 million tonnes and barley production 51.4 million tonnes. Maize production is forecast to come in at the record level of 64 million tonnes - a surge of 14.7%.
COPA-COGECA expects the EU cereals market to remain “tight” this season. It warns against Commission plans to further green the common agricultural policy (CAP) and take land out of production.
COPA-COGECA is also worried about more duty free imports of cereals and bioethanol from Ukraine, which do meet EU production requirements, coming into the EU. Indeed, it is not certain whether Ukraine will still be able to introduce grain export taxes within the framework of the current free trade negotiations with the EU, which could increase volatility on the market, the agricultural organisations say. (LC/transl.rt)