During a report to the president on 17 August 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food stated that grain production including rapeseed is expected to reach 9 million tonnes in total, while rapeseed is forecast to set a record at around 1.5 million tonnes, with an average yield of 32 centners per hectare. A further 2.5 million tonnes of maize are planned for harvest.
Overall agricultural production rose to 113% of the previous year's level, while foreign-currency proceeds from sales increased by approximately one quarter. According to the minister, annual proceeds from agricultural exports may exceed 11 billion US dollars (approximately 9.5 billion euros).
The macroeconomic effect is visible: agriculture was what accelerated Belarus's GDP growth from 1.5% to 2.1% in July. By 1 August, 3 million tonnes of grain had been harvested—55.3% more than on the same date a year earlier, although analysts point to the low base of the previous season.
Practical conclusion: Belarusian sellers currently have a strong position in rapeseed and grain, but the timing is the opposite—they are keen to contract volumes quickly because storing a record harvest is costly.
Sources: BELTA and ONT, 17–18 August 2026; “Economic Gazette” (neg.by), August 2026; “Eurasia Rhythm”, 22 August 2026