Cereals, oilseeds and sugar areas in the EU-28 are expected to decline in 2019/2020 to around 70.7million ha. The dry autumn hampered the sowings but mild conditions along the winter give a more positive outlook in the EU. On the basis of historical trend yields, the EU cereals harvest would reach 308 million t.

Oilseeds area is expected to decline by 6%, due to lower 2019/2020 rapeseed sowings. Oilseeds output is looking fairly stable compared to previous crop season, at close to 33 million t.

Lower 2018/2019 sugar production results in lower EU exports. Sugar prices remain low despite a balanced world market and EU sugar beet area is forecast to decrease by 4% in 2019/2020.

Due to the increase in EU olive oil production in 2018/2019, the strong world demand for olive oil and lower availabilities in non-EU countries are expected to lead to record high EU exports.

Despite the impact of the drought and the significantly lower cow number, the yield increase ledto milk deliveries growth in 2018 (+1%). The EU raw milk price is supported by global demand and it is expected to lead to further production growth in 2019 (assuming normal weather conditions).

EU beef production is expected to decline in 2019 (-1.3%), following a drop in cow herds accelerated by the poor weather conditions in 2018. Beef consumption is likely to fall in 2019.