According to a new report from the European Commission, production of foodstuffs from the 28-nation bloc is predicted to increase by 2023 because of global demand and biofuel production from grains. Currently the EU produces 20% of the world’s wheat and pork, and accounts for 30% of the world’s cheese exports. The arable growing area for crops in the EU is expected to remain steady at 57.8 million hectares (142.8 million acres). Area dedicated to soft wheat, corn, and rapeseed will increase, and area dedicated to barley and durum wheat will decrease. By 2023 grain consumption is expected to increase to 297.9 million tons from 279.8 million tons today, in great part due to a doubling in the use of grains to make fuel – from 10.1 million tons today to 20.6 million tons in ten years. EU grains exports will increase from 27.4 million tons to 31.1 million tons. EU corm output will increase from 64.5 million tons in 2013 to 79.3 million tons by 2023 and rapeseed production will climb to 23.4 million tons from 20.5 million tons. Ethanol production is expected to reach 6.1 million tons from 3.4 million tons in 2013 and biodiesel production is expected to climb to 12.2 million tons from 7.9 million tons. EU pork and poultry production are expected to see small gains within ten years but beef production is forecast to fall by 100,000 tons. To read more about the EU’s agricultural production and export estimates by the European Commission:
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