South American countries plan to expand rapeseed acreage

South American farmers are planning to seriously increase rapeseed and canola plantings this year in response to higher prices, according to Oil World (Germany).

As it is specified, in Uruguay the area under oilseed this year is likely to double and amount to about 250 thousand hectares, while in Brazil they expect the area under oilseed to increase to 200 thousand hectares (148 thousand hectares in 2024), in Paraguay – to 90 thousand hectares against 63 thousand hectares a year earlier.

In Argentina, the area under rapeseed will also increase, but not so significantly – up to 38 thousand hectares against 34 thousand hectares a year earlier.

Total rapeseed production in the 4 above-mentioned countries in October-September 2025/26 MY is projected to increase to 930-980 thousand tons, which will be a record level and it will significantly exceed the current season’s figure of 560 thousand tons.

The increased production is also expected to boost total oilseed exports next season to a record 550,000 tons from 208,000 tons in MY 2024/25.

Earlier, the Union for the Promotion of Oilseeds and Grains in Germany (UFOP) reported that the EU is expecting an increase in demand for rapeseed imports after a lower harvest, including from Argentina. By mid-January, the country had already supplied 875,000 tons of rapeseed to the EU market, 19% more than in the same period last year.

Tags: Brazil, rapeseed, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay