Grain production rise forecast

In the forecast for 2019, the European grain trade body, Coceral, estimates an increase in grain production in Europe. It is predicting 298.5 million tonnes, up from 280m tonnes last year. It puts wheat production at just under 140m tonnes against 127m last year, thanks to increased plantings and an expected increase in yields as weather conditions stabilise after last year’s drought.

Yield increases are forecast for Germany, France, the UK, Poland and Scandinavia.

Meanwhile in a feed balance sheet, the Commission says the EU has a high level of self sufficiency for forages but remains dependent on imports for protein crops. The US is the main supplier of soya for livestock feeds, followed by Brazil.

The European Commission has added another piece to what it describes as a jigsaw to improve the position of farmers in the food supply chain.

The latest initiative relates to price transparency and ensuring information is freely available to all players.

This comes on top of legislation to ban unfair trade practices by retailers and to boost the competitive position of farmers and smaller processors.

Price transparency will cover most commodities and builds on existing measures.

Member states will be responsible for systems to collect the information, which will be collated by Brussels.

Meanwhile the EU trade commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom, has said she is hopeful the EU will conclude a free trade deal with the South American Mercosur countries by the end of the year.

This has proved controversial and been delayed because of the threat it poses to the beef industry in Europe.

The European Commission has introduced new fertiliser regulations, replacing measures that have been in place since 2003.

These set standards for fertilisers that can be produced and sold in Europe with a CE branding certificate.

The aim is to harmonise regulations in all areas including contaminant levels.

The battle over the leadership of the Conservative Party and the lack of agreement on a new withdrawal plan means that plans for a customs union which would benefit agriculture, have slipped down the agenda.

The timescale to secure a deal by the European Commission’s October 31 deadline is getting tighter and the damaging prospect, for agriculture, of a no deal exit has moved back up the agenda unless Parliament blocks it.

Yield increases are forecast for Germany, France, the UK, Poland and Scandinavia.