W6 Oat Update: Grain Export Surge in Chelyabinsk Region in 2023 Amidst Oat Seed Shortage in Germany

Oat Export Growth Propelled Chelyabinsk Region's Agricultural Expansion in 2023

In 2023, the Russian region Chelyabinsk experienced a notable surge in grain exports, soaring from USD 11.9 million in 2022 to USD 36.5 million, marking a three-fold increase. This growth was chiefly propelled by wheat and barley exports, although rice, buckwheat, oats, and rye shipments also contributed. Overall, the region's agricultural product exports rose by 2.2% in 2023, totaling USD 232 million. Notably, Kazakhstan emerged as the primary destination for these exports, trailed by China and various Southeast Asian nations.

Oat Seed Shortage in Germany and Quality Concerns Amidst EC's Policy Shift

Germany is facing a scarcity of oat seeds, resulting in a rise in the availability of lower-quality seeds in the market. This situation arises from the European Commission's (EC) decision to permit the sale of seeds with reduced germination rates, encompassing various oat varieties with spring barley and beans. The decline in seed quality is due to high humidity levels during the 2023 harvest and adverse weather conditions that have reduced the areas sown with oats. Despite the shortage, there is no anticipation of an increase in seed prices. Farmers are advised to enhance seeding density to counteract the effects of lower germination rates.