World: Global barley area projected to increase 2% in 2025-26

The International Grains Council (IGC) projects global barley area to be harvested for 2025-26 at 47 mln ha, up 2% from 2024-25.

An expansion is projected for almost all major barley exporting countries and regions except the EU, where barley harvested area is expected to decline 3% y/y to slightly over 10 mln ha, the lowest in recent years.

Nevertheless, global barley harvested area for 2025-26 will be 3% below the five-year average.