COCERAL has raised its grain harvest forecast in the EU and the UK in 2026 to 299 mln tons

The Organization of European Grain Traders (COCERAL) forecasts grain production in the EU and the UK to reach 298.8 million tonnes in 2026, up from the December forecast of 296.7 million tonnes. However, the harvest will be significantly lower than the 2025 figure of 310.5 million tonnes.

COCERAL expects wheat, barley, and rapeseed production to decline compared to 2025.

Gross soft wheat harvest will reach 142.6 million tonnes, below the previous forecast of 143.9 million tonnes and last year’s figure of 148.7 million tonnes. Wheat yields are expected to decline from the exceptional 2025 figures, despite ample moisture. In Southern Europe, the decisive phase of crop development has already begun, characterized by good soil moisture and promising harvest prospects. In other parts of the EU, the decisive development phase only begins in May.

Barley production is forecast to decline to 59.3 million tonnes, higher than the December forecast of 58.2 million tonnes but lower than last year’s figure of 63.6 million tonnes.

Corn production may recover from the drought that impacted crops last year. However, corn yields have been disappointing in recent years, so planting area is likely to continue to decline, and farmers will switch to other spring crops, such as sunflowers and soybeans.

Tags: corn, grain, barley, EU, UK, wheat, crop forecast