Ukraine: winter rape giving a chance to oil flax

2019/20 marked by abysmal lows: planted area of oil flax at 16.1 Th ha (-50% from MY 2018/19, the smallest since MY 2005/06). The linseed crop at 15.1 KMT (-36% from MY 2018/19, the smallest since MY 2008/09), UkrAgroConsult reports.

Oil flax (linseed) is an export oriented crop, with 67% of its production in MY 2019/20 shipped to foreign markets. Export potential of the linseed market in MY 2019/20 is the lowest since MY 2008/09.

Linseed production depends on winter survival by winter rape. Taking into account this year’s winter rape losses at 15%, flax plantings can be expected to expand.

In case of yield at the five-year average, the linseed crop will increase considerably.

Export potential of linseed and linseed oil will almost double, but its realization will traditionally depend on demand from EU countries and China.