Poland may become the EU’s largest corn producer

Poland could become the largest corn producer in the European Union in 2026, overtaking France, where prolonged heat and drought have sharply worsened crop prospects. According to Sparks Polska, Polish farmers could harvest 8.7–9 mln tons of corn, almost matching last year’s 8.9 mln tons.

Poland’s corn crop remains in relatively good condition. Timely rainfall in July improved crop conditions in northern and central regions, while further rains could support southern areas, where moisture shortages have been more pronounced.

In France, meanwhile, heat and drought could nearly halve the corn harvest to less than 7 mln tons, the lowest level since 1976. Germany’s production is also expected to decline to 4.24 mln tons, down 14% year on year.

Romania is also expected to remain one of the EU’s largest corn producers, as abundant rainfall has improved yield prospects. However, due to a smaller planted area, production is forecast at around 8 mln tons, also below Poland’s expected crop.

Worsening prospects in key producing countries are reinforcing expectations of a very small EU corn crop. In late July, the European Commission cut its 2026/27 production forecast to 51.9 mln tons, the lowest since 2007, while some analysts expect output to fall below 50 mln tons. Against this backdrop, Poland could not only become the EU’s leading producer but also play a more important role in supplying the European corn market.

Tags: corn, Poland