FAO's latest forecast puts aggregate 2002 cereal production in the EU at about 212 million tonnes, 5 percent up from last year and slightly above the average of the past five years. However, the increase results solely from a larger wheat output as production of all other grains remained virtually unchanged or fell slightly compared to the previous year. The wheat crop is estimated at about 104 million tonnes, up from 92 million tonnes in 2001. Production increased sharply in France and the United Kingdom this year, and also recovered somewhat in Italy after a drought-reduced crop in 2001. The estimate of aggregate coarse grain production remains at some 105 million tonnes, about 2 percent down from last year. While barley output remained close to last year’s level, production of the other small coarse grains (mostly rye and oats) fell. Output of maize also fell, to about 39 million tonnes, 2 percent down on 2001.
Autumn weather conditions have been generally satisfactory for winter crop sowing throughout the Community. Although rainfall across northern Europe in late October hampered winter grain planting, the moisture was beneficial for germinating crops.