Europe: Barley acreage changes in 2007

In Denmark rapeseed acres have been expanded by 60.000 HA, and estimates are that up to 75.000 HA less spring barley will be planted in 2007, according to the analysts, December 22.

The UK reports a smaller winter barley acreage, reduced by approx. 10 %. Maltsters hope to convince farmers to plant at least as much spring barley as last year.

Talks about pre-contracts in Germany are advancing very slowly, as farmers' and maltsters' ideas differ on prices and length of agreements. The acreage in Germany had been forecast as sharply down once more, but meantime it is hoped that last year's acreage can almost be maintained.

In France the acres of six-row winter malting barley have been reduced once more, especially of the variety Esterel, which is partly replaced by the new Cervoise. French acreage of spring barley may be up 10 %, maybe a return is possible to the numbers of 2005, i.e. 545.000 HA. French farmers were attracted by the price levels for new crop malting barley; they sold large quantities to their cooperatives, who in turn sold to trade and industry.

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