Crop yields will be reduced say experts

By ANDREW BUCKLE
Published on 03/07/2012 00:00

The latest estimates for both cereal and oilseed production in Europe predict a reduction in yield due to the weather experienced so far this year.

In cereals, Copa-Cogeca, the farmers and farm cooperatives’ organisation, believe the yield will drop slightly by 1.4 per cent, compared to last year, while oilseed production will show a 3.2 per cent drop.

Looking to the future, Ian Backhouse, chairman of the Cereals Working Party, used the figures to stress that farmers should not be restricted in their choices under the new CAP.

They had to be able to respond to market signals and variable weather conditions, he argued.

“The commissions’ new measures to further green the CAP must not restrict this flexibility, especially the measure on crop diversification which forces farmers to grow a minimum of three crops,” he said.

On the fall in production in oilseeds, the organisation’s view was that it emphasised the need for increased research and innovation in the sector.

“The extreme climate conditions in Europe, like frost-kill and drought, show the need to increase research across the EU to improve the production potential of the European oilseed and vegetable protein crops,” it said.

“Farmers need a broad choice to grow their crops in the right conditions, with a wide range of plant protection products at their disposal”.

ANDREW ARBUCKLE