In 2004, compound feed production for the EU-251 reached 142.1 million tones (m/t), i.e. slightly above the figure for 2003 (141.5 m/t). The 10 new EU Member States account for around 16.5 m/t. Approximately 1 million tonnes representing the estimated production of
The production of poultry feed increased by almost 4%, offsetting the 2003 drop caused by the outbreak of Avian Influenza. Taking this into account, the 20+% growth in poultry feed production in The Netherlands is very significant. The demand for cattle feed went down by 3%, which is a logical consequence of the better roughage harvest in 2004 compared to summer 2003 affected by a severe drought in most EU countries. Pig remains the most important species with a compound feed production of 48 m/t, a stable figure compared to 2003.
In contrast to previous years, the production trends in EU Member States are very similar: most EU countries register a decrease in cattle feed production between - 2 and - 7% and a growth in poultry feed production between 1 and 6% and even higher for
Of particular note in the 2004 compound feed production figures is the break of the longstanding transfer pattern of pig feed production from North to South: after loosing a third of their pig feed production in 10 years as a result of a national livestock control plan, the Dutch compound feed industry managed to increase its pig feed production by more than 3%. Similarly, the dramatic drop in the
All species combined, the compound feed production progressed on average in Northern EU countries and decreased or stabilized in Southern countries.
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Outlook for 2005
According to forecasts by FEFAC experts, cattle feed production should decrease by 1% in 2005, reflecting a long standing downward trend. Pig feed production is expected to remain stable on average, with further reduction in new EU Member States and an expected confirmation of the recovery of the Dutch pig feed production. On the poultry side, first indications would support a predictable stabilisation or slight increase of poultry feed production in the EU-25 compared to 2004 (0 to + 0.5%). Overall, the EU compound feed production should remain stable in 2005.
FEFAC, the European Compound Feed Manufacturers’ Federation, represents 22 national Associations in 21 EU Member States as well as Associations in
Farm animals in the EU consume an estimated 450 million tonnes of feed a year, of which 140 million tonnes are produced by compound feed manufacturers. Turnover of the European compound feed industry is estimated at € 35 billion.
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