EU pork exports are expected to be 20% higher than last year by the end of 2019, while cereal production in 2019/2020 is expected to increase by 8%. These are among the main findings of the latest short-term outlook report for EU agricultural markets, published on 3 October 2019 by the European Commission.
Despite an exceptionally hot and dry summer, EU cereal production is expected to reach 312 million tonnes in 2019/2020, an increase of 8%. Only maize was really affected by the drought (down 4% to 66.5 million tonnes). Wheat and barley production are both expected to increase by 12.5% and 10% respectively.
European oilseed production is expected to be at its lowest level for 7 years in 2019/20, at 29.7 million tonnes, due to adverse weather conditions (rapeseed being the most seriously affected). EU rapeseed production is expected to decrease by 16% compared to last year.
The EU sugar beet area has decreased by almost 5% in 2019/2020 as a result of low prices. EU sugar beet production is expected to stabilise at 119 million tonnes in 2019/2020, while sugar production is expected to reach 17.5 million tonnes.
Olive oil production in 2019/2020 is expected to decline in Spain and recover in Italy, Greece and Portugal (total EU production should reach 2.1 million tonnes). Olive oil exports are expected to reach high levels (7% above the average for the last five years).
In 2019, peach and nectarine production in the EU is forecast to increase by 4% compared to last year (reaching 4.1 million tonnes in total). Total EU tomato production is expected to reach 16.8 million tonnes (up 4%).
In 2019, EU milk production is expected to increase by 0.5% compared with 2018 (158 million tonnes). Beef production is predicted to decline in 2019 and 2020.
To consult the document, go to: https://bit.ly/2ImKAmx (Original report in French by Lionel Changeur)