IGC: The 2005/2006 forecast for world barley production is estimated at 140 mln tonnes

According to the International Grain Council’s (IGC) estimation, forecast for barley production in 2005/2006 is down 4 million metric tonnes compared to the last month estimation to 140 million metric tonnes (152 million metric tonnes in 2004).

IGC attributed the decline to worsening yield prospects in southern parts of the EU and poor sowing conditions in Russia: there is also increasing concern about Australia’s next crop.

Barley consumption estimates are down in the US, Russia and in the EU. Drought in North Africa particularly Morocco, will result in increased feed barley trade while further growth in malting requirements in China and Russia is expected.

World barley trade is now forecast at 16.1 million metric tonnes, compared with 15.8 million metric tonnes in 2004/05.

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