EU 2023-24 grain output revised lower
Extreme weather conditions across the European Union (EU) has reduced grain production projections for marketing year 2023-24, although output is still anticipated to exceed 2022-23 levels, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture. Production for the 27 Member States of the EU has been revised 1.1 million tonnes lower from the FAS’ previous forecast at 269 million tonnes. However, that still would be an increase over the estimated crop of 267.6…
Ukraine grain exports down sharply from last year
Ukraine’s grain exports are continuing to fall significantly behind the pace a year ago, with 13.4 million tonnes exported so far, compared to 18.3 million tonnes last year, according to data from the agriculture ministry. The exports include 5.9 million tonnes of wheat, 6.5 million tonnes of corn and 876,000 tonnes of barley. By this time last year, Ukraine had exported 6.9 million tonnes of wheat, 9.8 million tonnes of corn and 1.48 million tonnes of barley.
Russia forecasting record grain exports
With nearly 98% of its harvest collected, Russia is forecasting over 65 million tonnes of grain exports during the 2023-24 marketing season, Reuters reported, citing Russian news agency Interfax. Russian Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev said on Nov. 28 that more than 151 million tonnes of grain in bunker weight had been threshed, including almost 99 million tonnes of wheat, according to Interfax.
Argentine wheat crop revised lower.
Due to widespread dry conditions, Argentina’s wheat production forecast for the 2023-24 marketing year has been revised lower in the most recent Global Agricultural Information Network report from the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). The FAS dropped its projections for Argentine wheat output by 2 million tonnes from the previous forecast to 14.5 million tonnes. If realized, the total would still be 2 million tonnes higher than the country’s 2022-23 drought-stricken crop. Argentina, typically the largest wheat…
Russia signs grain export deal with China.
A Russian export company has signed a deal to export 70 million tonnes of grain, legumes and oilseeds to China, Reuters reported on Oct. 18. The company, EPT, said the contract was for 12 years with a possible extension, according to Reuters.
Ukraine says nearly 300,000 tonnes of grain destroyed.
Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure and ships since July have destroyed nearly 300,000 tonnes of grain, Reuters reported, citing the Ukrainian government. Since Russia quit the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July, its military forces have hit six civilian ships and 150 port and grain facilities during 17 attacks, destroying crops headed for export, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said in a statement.
UN, Russian officials discuss grain exports
Talks aimed at providing Ukraine and Russia “unimpeded access” to global grain and fertilizer markets were held between the United Nations and Russian officials Oct. 9 in Moscow, Reuters reported. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said top UN trade official Rebeca Grynspan was in Moscow and UN aid chief Martin Griffiths joined the talks virtually.
More ships using Ukrainian seaports
Three ships left Ukrainian ports on Oct. 1, and five more ships are on their way to ports using a new corridor opened by Ukraine mainly for agricultural exports as an alternative to the Black Sea Grain Initiative quit by Russia, Reuters reported. “Five new vessels are waiting to be loaded in Ukrainian ports,” Ukraine Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said on the X social media platform. “Bulk carriers OLGA, IDA, DANNY BOY, FORZA DORIA, NEW LEGACY are going to…
Poland to extend embargo of Ukraine grain
Poland announced on Sept. 12 that it will not lift its embargo of imports of Ukrainian grain this week as originally planned. Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said resuming imports would hurt Polish farmers.
Argentina anticipates rebound in soybean crop
Argentina’s soybean crop is expected to rebound in the 2023-24 crop year to an estimated 50 million tonnes, up from 21 million tonnes last season, according to a Sept. 7 report from the Buenos Aires grain exchange. The country is a top exporter of processed soybeans and also a major corn and wheat supplier. A historic drought sharply reduced production last season.