EU oilseed production in 2024 is expected to reach 32.8 million tonnes (4.8% above the last marketing year and 10% above the five-year average), according to the latest prediction from DGAgri specialists.

This is driven by higher production of soybeans and sunflower seeds due to increased cultivated areas (5% and 10% above the five-year average). Soybean and sunflower seed yields have also increased (+27% and +13% year-on-year).

Rapeseed production is expected to increase only slightly, to 19.8 million tonnes (+1.3%). In 2024/2025, EU oilseed production is estimated to reach 33.2 million tonnes, supported by further improvements in soybean and sunflower seed yields and the expanded area of soybean crops.

Rapeseed and sunflower seed imports are expected to decrease in 2024 (-18% and -53%). This decline is primarily attributed to the decrease in imports from Ukraine, which has returned to its usual crushing pace.

Soybean imports could see a slight increase of 2%, reaching 13.5 million tonnes. Protein crop production in 2023/24 is 4.4 million tonnes, in line with the five-year average, and is estimated to increase to 5 million tonnes in 2024/25, driven by field peas and beans (+15% and +12% annually).

EU protein crop imports are expected to increase by 17%, particularly field peas (+78%). EU imports and exports of both oilseeds and protein crops are estimated to remain relatively stable in 2024/2025. (Photo: Freepik)