The production of seeds of canola and sunflower in the European Union is expected to recover significantly in 2025 after facing adverse weather conditions that reduced this year's harvests, consultancy Strategie Grains said on Friday.
In its first projections for oilseed production next year, the consultancy estimated that the EU canola harvest will reach 18.7 million metric tons, up 12% from a four-year low of 16.7 million tons in 2024.
For sunflower production, the forecast is even more optimistic, with an expected production of 10.5 million tons in 2025, a jump of 25% compared to the nine-year low of 8.4 million tons projected for 2024.
Weather damaged crops in 2024
This year’s rapeseed crop, for example, was hampered by recurrent heavy rains in Western Europe. On the other hand, the sunflower crop faced extreme weather conditions in southeastern Europe. Major challenges included severe drought, heatwaves and torrential rains.
For the next canola crop, sowing conditions are still a challenge. Strategie Grains said that excess or lack of rain in producing regions has hampered planting. However, the consultancy highlighted that planting conditions have improved compared to last year.
Outlook for 2025
The consultancy highlighted that it expects larger canola harvests in countries such as Romania, France, Germany and the Baltic States. In addition, the consultancy had already predicted an increase of 4% in the area sown with canola, which indicates greater investment by farmers.
As for sunflower, Strategie Grains also projects an expansion in the planted area. High prices, driven by poor harvests this year in Europe and the Black Sea region, should attract more farmers to grow the crop.
Source: Gus Trompiz | Notícias Agrícolas
