The situation of agricultural markets, disrupted by the effects of the war in Ukraine, remains worrying, the European Agriculture Ministers stressed on Tuesday 24 May.
Grain and oilseed markets are the most affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, confirmed the Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski.
The pressure of high energy, fertiliser and feed prices remains a concern in the EU.
The European grain market situation was positive until recently. The harvest prospects were good. Prices are very high for farmers. The situation started to be a concern a few weeks ago due to the weather conditions.
EU maize production is expected to be at a record level.
The situation on the oilseed market remains difficult, especially with regard to sunflower, the European Commission said. “However, our efforts to improve the trade flows with Ukraine continue to ensure, although to a lesser degree, stable imports for all oilseeds and vegetable oils”, the Commissioner said.
For animal products, prices show a strong upward trend, including for pig meat. However, high output prices are offset by high feed and energy costs.
The fruit and vegetable sector is strongly affected by the current crisis (higher input costs and reduced export opportunities due to the ongoing conflict).
The Commission acknowledges that the drought in most EU countries in May has already had a negative impact on winter crops in a number of Member States. The dry spell could lead to a downward revision of the yield potential of some crops, especially if these conditions persist. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)