EU: Copa-Cogeca expects 9.3 percent less barley

The European interest group for farmers and agricultural cooperatives, Copa-Cogeca, has forecasted a significant decrease in the EU's grain harvest this year, with a notable drop in wheat and barley production. The total grain production is projected to be around 5% lower than last year, primarily due to reduced acreage caused by wet weather conditions during the previous autumn and a delayed sowing of summer grains. Additionally, yields are expected to be around 1.2% lower, averaging approximately 5.3 tons per hectare. The wet weather has severely affected grain production in Northwest and Central/Eastern Europe, but Spain is experiencing better yields with an anticipated harvest of 3 million tons more grain than last year. Despite the weather impacts being incorporated into forecasts, Copa-Cogeca warns that the situation could worsen, as crops are more sensitive due to late sowing. EU maize production has seen a slight expansion, but yields are still expected to be 1.8% lower than last year.