by PressCOCERAL: EU and UK wheat production to increase in 2025
Factors influencing EU and UK wheat production
Weather conditions and macroeconomic processes have a major impact on the development of the European agricultural sector. However, analysts at COCERAL, an agricultural trade association, believe the situation will improve in 2025. According to forecasts, wheat production in the EU and the UK will be higher than in the previous season.
Experts expect the grain harvest to exceed 140 million tonnes, compared to 125.5 million tonnes in 2024. Last year was an unsuccessful year for wheat growing. Heavy rainfall negatively impacted harvests in Western Europe. And the harvest in France was the smallest since the 1980s. In 2025, EU farmers plan to harvest around 126.5 million tonnes of cereals due to the expansion of sown areas. In the UK, the harvest is expected to be 14 million tonnes.
Factors influencing the sector development
Analysts have highlighted a number of reasons that have boosted grain production. Key among them are:
— the transformation of the agricultural industry as a whole;
— improvements in agronomic technologies;
— the introduction of new approaches to increasing yields;
— favourable weather conditions.
COCERAL analysts also note progress in breeding. European and UK farmers favour wheat varieties that are resistant to disease and climate change. This increases yields and reduces risks.
Experts cite favourable world market conditions as an important factor in increasing yields. Cereal prices have risen steadily in recent years, encouraging farmers to expand production and improve efficiency.
Overview of other crop production
Analysts are also forecasting an increase in the rapeseed harvest. It’s expected to reach more than 20 million tonnes in 2025. Romania and Bulgaria, where production is expected to increase significantly, will be the main contributors to growth. Conditions are also favourable for growing the crop in France and Germany.
The UK rapeseed harvest is likely to drop to 775 thousand tonnes. Experts say the country’s decline in production will continue. In the EU, on the other hand, the harvest will increase.
Rape seed is of great strategic importance for the EU, serving as a component in the biodiesel production.
Experts see a positive outlook for barley. Its harvest is projected to be around 60 million tonnes. This is due to the high demand for the crop as a key component in the production of animal feed.
The 2025 corn harvest in the EU and UK will be around 62 million tonnes. The crop is also used in the livestock sector.