Coceral estimates the EU-28 rapeseed harvest in 2021 at around 17.7 million t. - + 3% above previous year The European umbrella association of grain and oilseed traders estimated the EU-28 rapeseed harvest at 17.7 million t (previous year 17.15 million t) in its March 2021 edition. A slight increase in the area under cultivation by 0.6% and the higher expected yield of 32.1 dt / ha (previous year 31.7 dt / ha) contributed to this. In the 4 largest growing regions Germany, France, Great Britain and Poland, however, the results vary greatly. In France , the acreage is 12.2% below the previous year. The area yields should, however, increase to 32.5 dt / ha (previous year 29.7 dt / ha). Overall, the harvest result remains below the previous year's level. In Germany , a cultivation area of around 1 million ha (previous year 0.96 million ha) was determined.The high yield level of the previous year of 36.8 dt / ha should not be reached again. Coceral estimates 34.5 dt / ha. Overall, the harvest should remain just below the 2020 result. In Poland the area under cultivation was increased slightly. A repeat of the good area yield in the previous year is not expected; the estimate of 30 dt / ha remains. Overall, a harvest of 2.7 million t should come out just below the previous year. The harvest in the Czech Republic is estimated to be slightly higher than in the previous year at 1.3 million tons, with a slightly larger cultivation area and higher yield expectations. In Great Britain , which is leaving the EU, the acreage has been reduced by 13%. However, Coceral expects a significant improvement in area yields to 34 dt / ha compared to the previous year with 28 dt / ha. Overall, the 2021 harvest is expected to be better at 1.12 million t. Overall, European rapeseed production is leveling off at a lower acreage level compared to previous years.The loss of earnings in terms of weathering and crop protection in the event of weak producer prices in the past are to be seen as the main driving forces. The current price level of around 50 € / dt could stimulate the future cultivation areas if they continue to exist. But the rapeseed prices depend largely on the competitive prices for crude oil, palm oil and soybean oil.
