EU legume harvest to dip 1% but remain above average

According to estimates by the European Commission, EU production of legumes for the 2026 harvest will fall by 1 percent below the previous year’s level.

The harvest will nevertheless remain higher than average.

Feed peas are expected to record the strongest decline.

In its estimate published at the end of March, the EU Commission expects the EU legume harvest to reach just over 7 million metric tons in 2026.

This would translate to a 1 percent decline year-on-year.

According to Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft (mbH), the decline is primarily attributed to a slight reduction in legume area, while average yields have so far been projected at just above the previous year’s level.

Feed peas are likely to record the sharpest decrease, with production expected to fall 6 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 2.3 million tons.

The broad-bean harvest is expected to decrease around 3 percent to 1.4 million tons.

Soybeans remain the most important legume in the EU, accounting for 40 percent of the total legume crop.

The harvest is projected at 2.8 million tons, representing a 2 percent rise on the previous year due to an expansion in soybean area.

Production of sweet lupins is expected to reach 486,000 tons, exceeding last year’s 417,000 tons and setting a new record.

UFOP said it regards the European Commission’s latest forecast as evidence that political support and the sustainable promotion of legume production should continue.

The association has emphasized that, in individual farm planning, legumes, like any other crop, must compete with other market crops.

This means that farmers ultimately need to achieve not only good crop yields but also adequate economic returns.

This requires reliable and transparent supply chains and contractual relationships.

According to UFOP, the result should be added value that benefits all members of the supply chain and forms the basis for business continuity.

The association said it welcomes the European Commission’s announced intention to submit a European protein plan by the summer, aiming to reduce the EU’s dependence on protein imports.

The plan will focus on plant-based protein sources, including legumes and oilseed crops.

Significant impetus for the plan could also come from extending the Common Market Organization regulation to include the protein-crop sector.

Such step would require member states to recognize producer organizations in this sector and implement operational programs.

UFOP emphasized the importance of introducing marketing and quality standards for protein crops to improve price transparency for producers.