EU soybean harvest to grow by 2% in 2026 — UFOP

The European Commission forecasts a 2% increase in EU soybean production in 2026, reaching 2.8 million tonnes. Soybeans are expected to be the only major legume crop showing positive growth, according to the German Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP).

Overall EU legume production is projected to decline by 1% to just over 7 million tonnes, mainly due to a reduction in planted areas. At the same time, average yields are expected to remain slightly above normal levels.

Production of field peas is set to fall by 6% to 2.3 million tonnes, while field beans are expected to decline by 3% to 1.4 million tonnes. In contrast, sweet lupin output is forecast to reach a record 486,000 tonnes, up from 417,000 tonnes a year earlier.

UFOP views these trends as further evidence of the need for stronger government support for the sector. The association also welcomed the European Commission’s plans to present a development strategy for the EU protein crop sector by summer.

The strategy is expected to include expanded support mechanisms and the introduction of quality standards, aimed at strengthening domestic production and reducing the EU’s dependence on imports.

Tags: EU, soybean, crop forecast