Brussels, Belgium
October 4, 2013

Final EU27 oilseeds estimates for the 2013/4 marketing year released by Copa-Cogeca today show EU rapeseed production is back to normal this year, despite the adverse weather conditions.

The move came after Copa-Cogeca oilseeds working party assessed the market situation. Chairing the meeting, Gerard TUBERY from France said “The figures show that total EU-27 oilseed production reached 27.381 mt in 2013/4 which is up 11.9% on last years level. EU-27 rapeseed production is estimated to climb by as much as 17.2% to reach 20.4 mt. This shows the hardiness of the crop and its capability to survive bad weather conditions. The sunflower crop also looks promising but it has not yet been harvested”.

He continued “The good EU crop will help to ensure a good supply of protein for the EU livestock sector this year, amidst tensions on the world market. EU farmers must nevertheless have access to all available tools like crop protection products to ensure a good rapeseed crop and maintain market shares on the world market.

Wrapping up, Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said “The fact that the EU is still a major exporter of oilseed rape on the world market shows that there is
no risk of trade off between EU food and fuel production”.

Website: http://www.copa-cogeca.be

Published: October 11, 2013