Romania intends to maximize rapeseed production

In the structure of oilseeds planted in Romania, sunflower has the largest share, followed by rapeseed and soybeans.

In 2023/24, the total area of oilseeds was record high since 2015/16. Rapeseed areas showed the largest.

Rapeseed’s share in the oilseeds area rose significantly to 32%, while sunflower’s share decreased to 60%.

However, rapeseed production does not grow stably due to considerable yield fluctuations. However, 2023/24 yield increased and the production was record.

Romania well-developed biofuel production consumes domestic rapeseed. The balance of harvest is exported mainly to European countries (Germany, France, Belgium, etc.).

After the war started in Ukraine, imported rapeseed from Ukraine come into the market, putting pressure on prices. UkrAgroConsult does not exclude that re-export of Ukrainian rapeseed is accompanied by processing of the part of the imported rapeseed by Romanian biofuel producers.

Following protests by farmers, a ban on rapeseed imports was imposed in Romania. In January 2023, prospects  of Ukrainian imports to the EU is unclear, with farmers continuing to demand a ban. The European Commission has decided to amend trade legislation to allow restrictions on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products to neighboring countries. This measure will be in effect until June 2025. The EC decision shall be approved by the European Parliament and the majority of EU member states.