EU: Barley production forecast to experience a modest rebound

Barley production for the 27 member states of the European Union is expected to experience a modest rebound in output with the improved seasonal conditions, the Grain Central reported on May 11.

Total EU production is forecast to increase by just 1.28 mln tonnes, or 2.3pc, to 56.5 mln tonnes, emphasising how well the crop performed last year compared to wheat across most of the EU, France being the exception.

FranceAgriMer released its latest crop report for the EU’s biggest grain producer last Friday, May 7. The winter barley crop was rated 76pc good to excellent, down from 77pc the previous week and 81pc two weeks ago. On the other hand, the spring barley crop was unchanged in last week’s report at 82pc after falling five points a week earlier.

This season’s superior crop conditions are reflected in a rebound in French production estimates for the upcoming harvest. The year-on-year barley production recovery forecast is up 20.5 per cent, or 2.15 mln tonnes, to 12.63 mln tonnes. However, this is primarily a yield story, with the planted area only up 1.2pc. The average yield is forecast to jump by 19pc, or more than 1t/ha to 6.33t/ha.