Miller Magazine Issue: 149 May 2022

99 COUNTRY PROFILE MILLER / MAY 2022 Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has stressed the EU grainsmarket, whichhas respondedwith increas- es in price, demand contraction, and a surge of intra EU trade. Increased grain exports are fore- cast for MY2021/22, while the EU seeks alterna- tive corn sources to replace Ukraine’s supply. The challenges affecting spring planting oper- ations, combined with the damage to Ukraine’s trade infrastructure also create uncertainties over EU’s grains trade flows in MY2022/23. Ukraine is one of the world’s top agricultural producers and ex- porters and plays a critical role in supplying grains and oilseeds to the global market and to the EU. Since February 24, 2022, Rus- sia’s invasion of Ukraine has significantly impacted EU’s grains markets. Ukrainian trade facilities are running idle to a large extent and sanctions imposed on Russia have altered global trade flows in MY2021/22, creating a very volatile situation. The challenges af- fecting spring planting operations, combined with the damage to Ukraine’s trade infrastructure also create uncertainties over EU’s grains trade flows in MY2022/23. EU total grain area in MY2022/23 is expected to amount to 51.7 million Ha, somewhat below MY2021/22 levels. Only barley, and sorghum to a much lesser extent, are expected to exceed previous season planting levels. A price-driven recovery of rapeseed plant- ings has resulted in a reduction of wheat area across the EU, most EU grain outlook