June 15, 2009

Poor harvest may prompt Spain to import 14-15 million tonnes of grain in 2009-2010, up from 9.9 million tonnes last year, its animal feed makers said on Friday (June 12).

According to Reuters, an internal report by industry group CESFAC reveals that overall grain harvest this year will fall to some 16.3 million tonnes from 23.2 million last year, due largely to hot, dry weather in April and May.

That is more than the 15.45 million tonnes forecast by some farmers' unions, but below a recent estimate of 18-20 million by Agriculture Secretary Josep Puxeu.

Referring to zones like Castilla-Leon and others where the harvest is delayed, CESFAC said it "has prefered to be prudent and not take account of the possible positive effect of recent rainfall."

Last weekend was wet in much of Spain, including the northern grainbelt region of Castilla-Leon, where authorities have forecast a drop of 45 percent in the wheat crop and 47 percent for barley.

Spain can never grow enough grain to meet its needs due to its lack of arable land, poor soil and variable climate, and imports cargoes from origins ranging from Argentina to Ukraine.