Brussels, 17/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - According to forecasts published on Friday 14 October, cereal production for the year from 2011 to 2012 is expected to be 277.4 million tonnes, 0.2% less than in 2010-2011. This is the first time the Commission has published its “short-term outlook for main agricultural commodity markets” and follows a commitment given by European Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos at the meeting of G20 agriculture ministers in June of this year.
Cereal markets are expected to remain relatively tight in the EU, according to the outlook, and a further reduction in stocks is expected. EU exports are expected to decline considerably, to 21.8 million tonnes. The soft wheat crop in the EU is expected to be 127.4 million tonnes, a slight drop (0.1%) from the previous year. The Commission predicts a sharp rise in maize production in Europe, up 6.4% to 61 million tonnes. Oilseed production is expected to fall by 2.2% to around 28 million tonnes.
Meat production, boosted by good exports in 2010, should continue to increase in 2011, but is expected to fall back slightly (0.3%) in 2012. Meat consumption within the countries of the EU in 2012 is forecast not to rise. Total EU milk production is forecast to reach 151 million tonnes in 2011 and to stay at a similar level in 2012. (LC/transl.rt)