Disruptions to corn and meal supplies increase risks for EU livestock sector

Disruptions to corn and oilseed meal supplies from the Black Sea region are increasing feed supply risks for the EU livestock sector in 2026/27. The European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC) has called on the European Commission and member states to prepare a contingency plan for feed supplies.

The situation is being complicated by several factors at once: severe summer drought reduced the availability of feed grains in the EU, Black Sea supplies remain unstable, and the approaching implementation of EUDR is creating additional sourcing challenges for feed ingredients.

FEFAC estimates that the potential soybean meal supply gap in the EU in 2026/27 could reach at least 5 mln tons, or around 20% of total use. At the same time, substitution options for such a large volume with other protein sources remain limited.

The federation warns that feed shortages and higher costs could weaken the economics of dairy, pork and poultry production. This could also add to food price inflation and increase the EU’s reliance on imports of animal products.

FEFAC is urging the EU to adopt a contingency plan by the end of 2026. It should include measures to offset lower domestic feed grain availability, reduce risks related to Black Sea corn and meal supplies, and ease sourcing of key feed ingredients under EUDR.

Tags: corn, EU, soybean meal, compound feed, livestock sector