A drop in EU rapeseed production in 2015 was forecast by Copa-Cogeca oilseeds working party as first results of the neonicotinoid seed treatment ban start to emerge.
Newly-elected chairman of the working party, Amaud Rousseau from France warned: "The situation is problematic and is expected to get worse, causing job losses especially in rural areas.
"In Finland, a big fall in the rapeseed area has been reported, causing rapeseed crushing plants to shutdown. The situation is also particularly bad in Germany estimating a 1m tonne cut in rapeseed production for the 2015 harvest.
"In the UK, a new study produced by NFU predicts a 36% drop in farmers' income as a result of the ban. In Italy and my own country, maize producers have also been badly affected."
Market round-up
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 29 store heifers in Dumfries yesterday to a top of 230.8p per kg and an average of 196.2p, while 38 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 283.3p and levelled at 221.4p. Twenty store, B&W bullocks sold to 161p and averaged 136.8p.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1848 prime lambs at Ayr yesterday to a top of £97 per head and 209.3p per kg to average 180.2p (-11.1p on the week).
There were also 506 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £132 for a pen of Texels and £77 for Blackfaces to average £68.76 (+£2.89) overall.
John Swan Ltd sold 69 prime heifers in St Boswells yesterday to a top of 251p and an average of 218p (+1p), while 45 prime bullocks peaked at 240p and levelled at 217.8p (-2.4p).
In the rough ring 60 beef-type OTM cattle averaged 115.6p (no change).
The firm also sold 3700 prime lambs to a top of £102 and 237.8p to average £78.63 and 187p (-15p).
The 650 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £111 for Texels and average £72.14 overall.
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 37 prime heifers in Carlisle yesterday to a top of 235.5p and an average of 191.5p (-35p), while 33 prime bullocks peaked at 226.5p and 192.5p (-29.3p). Forty-three prime beef-bred bulls sold to 230.5p and averaged 195.9p (+9.7p), while 58 prime, dairy-bred bulls peaked at 174.5p and levelled at 139.8p (-0.7p).
In the rough ring 72 beef cows averaged 121.9p (-7.5p) and 166 dairy cows levelled at 85.1p (-3.1p). Four bulls averaged 106.5p (-17.1p).
The firm also sold 3050 prime lambs to a top of £112 and 262.3p to average 192.9p (-8.4p).
The 54 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £95.50 for Mules.
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