Poland's rapeseed harvest threatened by hail damage and looming import need

Severe hail and heavy rain during the ripening phase have damaged rapeseed crops across Poland, causing seed loss, pod cracking and creating long‑term problems such as self‑seeding for up to a dozen years. The weather‑induced injuries also increase susceptibility to diseases, especially where plant maturity is uneven.

At a recent national rapeseed‑grain forum, growers and industry experts warned that the 2024 season is exceptionally difficult. Average yields have stagnated at about 3.0‑3.3 t/ha despite higher‑potential varieties, and intensified pest‑control regimes are proving insufficient, with existing seed‑treatment chemicals losing effectiveness. The association has appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture for emergency use of cyanthyliprol. Given the reduced harvest and logistical challenges, officials expect that Poland will need to import rapeseed to meet processing demands.