May 8, 2008

EU grain yield to expand by 12 percent

The EU grain harvest is projected to increase by 12 percent to 286 million tonnes in the summer of 2008, up from 256 million tonnes, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) said.

The FAS reported that the strong yield forecast was based on increased acreage, high grain prices, favourable planting conditions and the use of higher yield varieties.

The short 2007 grain crop made the EU a net grain importer in 2007-08.

The FAS expects total imports to reach 23.4 million tonnes, an increase of 10.2 million tonnes over the previous year.

The total grain imports for 2008-09 are predicted at 15.2 million tonnes, a more normal level, the FAS said.

EU grain exports for 2007-08 are expected to decrease by 4.5 million tonnes to 14.1 million tonnes.