The EU agricultural sector has shown resilience throughout the Covid-19 crisis, according to the first 2021 edition of the Short-Term Outlook for EU Agricultural Markets, published on Tuesday 30 March by the European Commission.
According to the report, EU cereal production could reach 295.2 million tonnes in the 2020-2021 season, an increase of 5.3% over the previous year. Total EU oilseed production is expected to increase by 3.4% compared to last year and reach 16.7 million tonnes in 2021/2022, despite difficult weather conditions. As for protein crops, production increased by 7.9% in 2020-2021. It could increase by a further 5.2% in 2021-2022.
EU sugar production is estimated to be at its lowest level in 5 years, at 14.4 million tonnes for 2020-2021.
In 2020-2021, EU olive oil production could reach almost 2.1 million tonnes, up 10% on the previous season. European consumption of olive oil could continue to grow in 2020-2021 (+3%).
In the wine sector, production in 2020-2021 is expected to remain stable at around 158 million hectolitres.
Milk production is expected to rise by 1% in 2021.
EU beef production fell by 1.2% in 2020 and is expected to continue to fall in 2021 (-0.9%), despite the recovery in demand in the second half of 2021.
Pigmeat production increased by 1.2% in 2020, thanks to exports. Exports will decrease in 2021, however, due to African swine fever.
In 2020, EU poultry production increased by 1% and is expected to maintain similar growth in 2021.
The Commission expects sheep and goat meat production to increase by 2% in 2020 (but -1% in 2021).
Link to the document: https://bit.ly/2PGQ41U (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)