Seed Production: Record Sorghum Areas in 2024

In 2024, Europe’s areas planted to sorghum seed recorded a level never attained up to that point. In terms of their quality, however, the germinating capacity of the plots was put to the test by the very humid weather at the end of the cycle.

In 2024, areas planted to seed sorghum beat the records. Almost 2600 hectares were planted, representing a 34-percent increase within a year’s span. With 1600 hectares, France recorded one of its greatest increases: + 46 percent, remaining at the top of the most important production countries. It was followed by Hungary, with 1050 hectares (up 18 percent) and Spain, which planted almost 400 hectares (up 48 percent). The other sorghum seed producers included Italy (105 hectares, up 69 percent), Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Romania – the four of which accounted for 55 hectares together. The last European record dated back to 2021, with a total crop establishment of 1955 hectares. At the time, Hungary outranked France in terms of hectarage.

Rebuilding Stocks

The area increase is mainly due to the need to rebuild stocks after several seasons where sorghum demand was strong. Another factor that boosted the areas in 2024 was the poor weather in the autumn of 2023, which prevented the crop establishment of all winter grains. This drove seed companies to anticipate a stronger demand for spring crops, especially for sorghum. However, this crop – which is very sensitive to weather – remains rather difficult to multiply. In fact, seed companies request growers to have irrigation equipment on their farms and also that their plots be free of Johnson grass, which is a weed that favours cross-contamination.

Quality of Harvested Crops Impacted by Rainfalls

While the areas destined for multiplication increased, the rate of germination was rather low: an average of 65 percent for the 2024 harvest. The reason was the very humid weather at the end of the cycle, which deteriorated the quality of harvested grains and in particular, their germination ability.