Study on storage capacities and logistical infrastructure for EU agricultural commodities trade (with a special focus on cereals, the oilseed complex and protein crops (COP)) : final report

The study provides an overview and mapping of the storage capacity and logistical infrastructure for cereals, the oilseed complex and protein crops (COP) in the EU, identifies the related bottlenecks, and analyses their evolution since 2005. The current storage capacity for COP in the EU28 amounts to 359 million tonnes, up 20% from 2005. EU COP production increased by 11% in the same period. Structural shortage of COP storage capacity currently affects a limited number of Member States. Storage capacity has increased in all 28 MS, with substantial growth especially in Eastern EU Member States. Some key factors behind this evolution are specific to the COP supply chain, such as growth in yields, production and exports, and increased price volatility. The switch to just-in-time inventory management models by processors also played a role, especially in the United Kingdom and Germany. Inland waterways and railways handle almost all long-distance COP tonnage (60-70% for inland waterways, 30-40% for railways) along the four main COP transportation corridors (Baltic-Adriatic, North Sea-Baltic, Rhine-Alpine and Rhine-Danube); truck transportation prevails in short-distance moves. Member States which have increased COP exports have often also improved their availability of storage capacity compared to their theoretical needs. Location of additional COP storage capacity at sites with access to adequate logistical infrastructure can address the identified bottlenecks for storage capacity. Solutions to address infrastructural bottlenecks include the completion of missing links in the main COP transportation corridors, capacity increases and technological upgrade on critical corridor sections and at key hubs, enhancement of intermodal COP transportation and harmonisation of technological standards in transportation infrastructure.