EU feed production to remain stable in 2026

According to experts from the European Feed Industry Federation (FEFAC), the EU industrial feed production market will remain relatively stable in 2026. Total feed production in the EU-27 is projected to reach 152 million tonnes, a decrease of only 0.06% compared to 2025.

The slight change in volumes reflects a stable situation in most livestock sectors, despite increased market uncertainty and mixed performance in individual countries. The European feed industry continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of ongoing economic and geopolitical turmoil, as well as increasing pressure from regulatory requirements, environmental policies, and animal health factors.

However, 2026 will be characterized by increased market volatility. The ongoing crisis in the energy and mineral fertilizer markets, as well as regulatory uncertainty, including the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), remain key risk factors, making it difficult to forecast future market developments.

In the cattle feed segment, EU production in 2026 is projected to reach 45.358 million tonnes, virtually flat with the previous year’s volume. Among the largest producers, growth is expected in France and Poland, while a significant decline is forecast in the Netherlands and Belgium—by 5% and 2%, respectively. The main factors contributing to this decline are national environmental restrictions and lower milk prices. Spain, the largest cattle feed producer, is expected to increase output by 2%. Production volumes in Denmark, Portugal, and Germany are expected to remain stable or show slight growth. Most other EU member states are projected to see stable or moderate declines, reflecting the overall downward trend in the sector, driven by environmental policies and the spread of animal diseases.

Pig feed production in the EU in 2026 is forecast to reach 48.52 billion tonnes, 1.3% below the 2025 level. Germany and France are expected to decline by 1%, while the Netherlands could see a 10% decline. Spain, the EU’s largest pig feed producer, will maintain production at 13.1 million tonnes, down 1.5% from last year. Portugal is expected to grow by 1%, while Poland is expected to grow by 3%. Ireland could see a 2.1% decline, while Hungary and the Czech Republic could increase output by 0.6% and 4.2%, respectively. Overall, the sector remains relatively stable: production growth is forecast in several countries (for example, in Bulgaria, by 5.8%), while others continue to experience volume declines (Slovenia, down 12%) due to structural changes in the industry and ongoing pressure from African swine fever (ASF).

The poultry feed segment will be the main growth driver for the European compound feed market in 2026. Despite the ongoing negative impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza, poultry feed production is expected to increase by 1.2% to reach 51.588 million tonnes. Growth in Spain and Germany is forecast at 2% and 3.8%, respectively. France will see production increase by 1.5% to 8.25 million tonnes, while Poland will see production grow by 3% to 7.46 million tonnes. Austria is also expected to see a 3% increase in volumes, while most other EU countries are expected to see stable or moderate growth.

Tags: EU, compound feed