Ireland cuts oat planting area by 29% in 2026

Ireland’s oat planting area declined by 29% in 2026 compared with the previous year, marking one of the sharpest reductions among the country’s major cereal crops. According to preliminary data from Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO), the area under oats fell by approximately 9.8 thsd ha, accounting for more than half of the total decline in cereal acreage. Overall, the area planted with cereals decreased by 6.8%, or 18.8 thsd ha, to 256.1 thsd ha from 274.9 thsd ha in 2025.

The largest reduction in oat acreage was recorded for winter oats, with plantings falling by approximately 6 thsd ha. Other cereal crops also showed declines. Winter wheat acreage dropped by 8% to 54.9 thsd ha, while spring barley plantings decreased by 6.7 thsd ha to 108.6 thsd ha. The combined area under winter wheat, barley and oats declined by 8.4 thsd ha, while spring plantings of these three crops fell by a total of 11.5 thsd ha.

Despite the overall decline in cereal acreage, some crops recorded growth. Winter barley plantings increased by 2.4 thsd ha to 59.6 thsd ha. Rye acreage also expanded significantly, rising by 1.1 thsd ha, or nearly 29%, to 4.9 thsd ha. However, these gains were insufficient to offset the reduction in oats, wheat and spring barley plantings.

Meanwhile, Irish farmers expanded their acreage under alternative crops. The largest increase was recorded in rapeseed, with plantings rising by 7.3 thsd ha, or nearly 62%, to 19.1 thsd ha. The area under beans and peas increased by 3.1 thsd ha to 17.8 thsd ha, while silage corn acreage grew by 2.3 thsd ha to 24.2 thsd ha. The expansion of these crops partially offset the overall reduction in cereal acr

Tags: Ireland, oats