Global rapeseed area set to rise as Asia drives expansion, says IGC

The International Grains Council (IGC) expects the world’s rapeseed area to edge up to 44.1 million hectares in its latest outlook, a modest increase of 0.2 million hectares on the current 2025/26 season. While major exporters are set for a slight contraction, growth across other regions—most notably Asia—is forecast to more than offset the decline.

Across the EU-27, the rapeseed area is projected to hold steady at 6.1 million hectares. A bumper 2025 harvest in south-eastern member states, particularly Romania, could spur further planting, even as growers elsewhere trim back their sown area.

Russia’s rapeseed footprint is also expected to remain unchanged at 3.0 million hectares after a year of strong expansion. Conversely, new research from Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft (mbH) indicates Ukraine’s plantings will shrink by around 100,000 hectares to 1.3 million hectares. Despite this, the combined area across the Commonwealth of Independent States is set to reach its second-highest level on record, highlighting rapeseed’s rising strategic significance.

Outlooks for top exporters Canada and Australia remain less certain, with sowing still months away. Canada’s planted area is forecast to hover near its long-term average at 8.7 million hectares, supported by expectations of firm global demand. Australia is likewise set to keep its rapeseed area stable year-on-year at around 3.4 million hectares.