by PressCanola production down in Australia and Europe but up in Canada
Canola production in Australia affected by weather conditions
2024 was less favourable for Australian growers than the previous year. Australian canola production totalled 5.4 million tonnes this season. This is about 400,000 tonnes less than the previous year.
According to the Australian Federation of AOF, in addition to the harvest, the area under canola also fell. The total area under commercial rapeseed was 3.2 million hectares, compared with 3.6 million hectares planted in the previous season. However, the season’s results were better than initially forecast by analysts.
In addition to the reduction in area, other factors affected yields. Farmers noted that the weather during the growing season was different from the norm for this time of year:
— regions that generally receive a lot of rain experienced drought;
— at the same time, areas with low rainfall experienced heavy rainfall.
In some parts of Australia, the weather has a negative impact on planting. Here, the campaign had to start later than usual. Despite the difficulties, analysts consider the season a success.
Local canola prices rose at the start of the season but then fell due to a large soya bean harvest in the USA. This forced a review of world oilseed prices.
Harvest overview in other countries
Canola production in Canada increased, albeit slightly. Local farmers harvested 19.6 million tonnes, 1 million tonnes more than last season. The number of canola crushers in the country has increased, increasing the financial viability of export supplies. As a result, local producers are focusing on selling rapeseed to foreign markets. One of the most attractive markets is Europe. The current season was not a good one for EU farmers, resulting in a shortage of canola supply.
Across Europe, the summer of 2024 was memorable for the lack of rainfall and high temperatures. However, some regions experienced heavy torrential rains. This combination had a negative impact on crop yields, including canola:
1. EU canola production totalled 18.5 million tonnes.
2. Compared to the previous season, the harvest was down by more than 1 million tonnes.
3. Production in France was hardest hit. Heavy rains in the country reduced the harvest by 400,000 tonnes.
4. Germany, on the other hand, suffered from drought. Here, farmers harvested 200,000 tonnes less than in the previous season.
5. Rape production was reduced in Romania, the Czech Republic and Latvia.
6. The harvest increased in Ireland, Slovakia and Denmark.
It is worth noting that the current season in the EU continues the trend of the last ten years. During this period, canola production has regularly fallen due to weather conditions and stricter fertilisation rules.