EU: Barley production forecast to increase to 54 mln tonnes in 2022/23

The EU-27 barley production is forecast to reach 54 mln tonnes in 2022/23, H. M. Gauger GmbH said in their early April report, up from 51.973 mln tonnes in 2021/22.

Imports are seen increasing to 4 mln tonnes from just 1 mln, but the total consumption will only grow to 44 mln tonnes from 43.905 mln in 2021/22, the analysts said.

Exports including malt are forecast to amount to 11 mln tonnes (vs. 9.5 mln in the current season) and ending stocks are seen at 3 mln tonnes versus 4.102 mln in 2021/22.

�We assume an increase of barley plantings due to lesser crop inputs than for other grains, better weather conditions in the Iberian peninsula, and a larger export potential,� the analysts said.