Short-term outlook: while many uncertainties remain, prospects for the agri-food sector remain overall positive

For the third edition this year, the short-term outlook faces the challenge of factoring in the consequences of the Covid-19 crisis, where many uncertainties remain. Compared to other sectors though, the impact of the crisis on the agri-food sector is expected to remain limited. The emerging patterns seem to mostly reinforce existing trends, such as an increase in demand for local food, short supply chains and online food sales.

In this context, the situation in 2020 remains relatively positive, with: dairy and meat prices recovering; milk collection growth remains strong; the positive trade balance in meat is increasing; oilseed and protein crop production is estimated to increase; EU olive oil exports will reach a new record level. Notable exceptions are cereals (in particular wheat) and sugar, which both have suffered from adverse weather or plant health conditions.

The latest short-term outlook report for EU agricultural markets, published on 5 October 2020 by the European Commission, presents a more detailed overview of the latest trends and further prospects for each agri-food sector.