EU cereals production should reach 282.05 million tonnes in 2004 in a recovery from last year's drought-ravaged harvest of 226.87 million tonnes, EU grains lobby Coceral said today.
Soft wheat production was pegged at 123.95 in the enlarged 25-nation bloc against a previous 98.37 million, while maize output would rise to 51.47 million from 38.60 million last year.
France, the EU's cereals powerhouse, was expected to harvest 37.73 million tonnes of soft wheat, up from 29.18 million and see its overall cereals production hit 69.11 million tonnes against the 54.52 million produced in 2003.
The 2003 cereals harvest was hit hard by a summer drought- particularly in France, Spain and Portugal - sparking serious shortages in the feed market and raising prices.
With a bumper crop forecast in 2004, traders are facing the opposite problem this year - a glut of supply and tough export campaign.
The EU executive Commission is taking a tough line as the harvest continues, refusing to reinstate export refunds.