Polish crushers face a growing rapeseed supply deficit

The Polish rapeseed market is entering the 2026/27 season with a significant raw material shortage. Industry analysts estimate the crop at just 2.8–3.2 mln tons, while the country’s crushing capacity reaches 4.1 mln tons. As a result, the supply gap for crushers could widen to as much as 1.3 mln tons, providing medium-term support for rapeseed prices.

The smaller crop is mainly the result of a reduction in planted area of about 100 thsd hectares, poor winter survival due to limited snow cover, and spring drought. Average yields are now expected at around 3.0 t/ha, although industry representatives already consider even that figure optimistic.

Despite the smaller harvest, demand from domestic crushers remains strong. Polish processing plants are competing for limited supplies, while the current ban on rapeseed imports from Ukraine further tightens the market. Industry representatives argue that the restrictions do not protect local farmers but instead encourage rapeseed processing in Ukraine, with the resulting rapeseed oil exported to the EU, including Poland.

Against this backdrop, Polish crushers are calling on the government to reconsider its policy on Ukrainian rapeseed imports. They argue that controlled imports could partially fill the supply gap without putting significant pressure on domestic farmgate prices. However, many Polish farmers remain concerned that larger imports could once again weaken local prices.

Analysts note that the broader EU rapeseed outlook remains more favorable thanks to good crop prospects in France, Germany, and Romania. However, Poland’s production decline could cost the country its position as the EU’s third-largest rapeseed producer and further intensify the debate over access for Ukrainian rapeseed to the Polish market.

Tags: rapeseed, Poland