The 2008-09 EU grain crop forecast has been revised up to 299.7 million tonnes, up 4.4 million tonnes from the July estimate, according to Strategie Grains' latest analytical report published Thursday (August 14, 2008).

 

If realised, the figure would be a 17-percent increase on the 2007-08 crop.

 

The increased production is mainly attributed to soft wheat output that has risen to 133.9 million tonnes, up 2.2 million tonnes from last month's estimate of 131.7 million tonnes, on production growth from western EU countries.

 

However, the quality of the wheat from different locations varies, reflecting the inconsistent protein content, said the report.

 

"The rains in July could impact negatively on specific weights of wheat still in the field in northern France, Germany and the U.K.," said Strategie Grains.

 

The report raised the barley crop forecast to 63.7 million tonnes, from last month's projection of 62.9 million tonnes and 2007-08 production of 57.5 million tonnes.

 

The increase was due to good yields achieved in Spain, France, Germany and the UK, said the report.