Top Rye Producing Countries

Rye (Secale cereale) is a hardy cereal grain that thrives in poor soils and cold climates, making it a staple crop in Northern and Eastern Europe. Today, the top rye-producing countries are Germany, Poland, and Russia, which together account for the majority of global production. Historically, rye was first domesticated in the region that is now Turkey and neighboring areas during the early Iron Age, around 1800–1500 BCE, likely as a weed in wheat and barley fields before being intentionally cultivated. Its adaptability allowed it to spread rapidly across Europe, especially during the Middle Ages when it became a key ingredient in bread and spirits such as vodka and whiskey. Rye’s resilience to harsh conditions cemented its role in the agricultural systems of Scandinavia, the Baltics, and the Slavic countries, shaping both diets and rural economies for centuries.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat