EU grain growers may need to concentrate on quality over quantity as they face increasing competition from low - cost producers such as Russia . European grain exports increased 22 % this season as Russian exports hit record highs . To attract new customers , European farmers should start using more sustainable farming methods and reduce pesticide use , said French farmers co - operative ##ly . Such methods could also make EU farmers more competitive as food manufacturers attempt to take advantage of rising demand for more sustainable ingredients , said BNP Paribas .
EU grain growers may need to concentrate on quality over quantity as they face increasing competition from low-cost producers such as Russia. European wheat exports dropped 22% this season as Russian exports hit record highs. To attract new customers, European farmers should start using more sustainable farming methods and reduce pesticide use, said French farm co-operative Vivescia. Such methods could also make EU crops more competitive as food manufacturers attempt to take advantage of rising demand for more sustainable ingredients, said BNP Paribas.