Triticale is a hybrid cereal crop developed by crossing wheat (Triticum) and rye (Secale), first bred in laboratories in Scotland and Sweden during the late 19th century, with significant advancements in Poland in the mid-20th century. Its cultivation expanded due to its resilience to poor soils and diseases, combining wheat’s grain quality with rye’s hardiness. Today, Poland is the world’s leading producer of triticale, followed by Germany, France, Belarus, and China. These countries have adopted triticale for both animal feed and human consumption, capitalizing on its adaptability and high yields. The crop’s global spread reflects ongoing efforts to improve food security and agricultural sustainability, especially in regions with challenging growing conditions.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Poland | 5,349,420 |
2 | Germany | 1,908,600 |
3 | France | 1,736,910 |
4 | Belarus | 1,667,284 |
5 | Spain | 787,820 |
6 | China | 367,124 |
7 | Russia | 288,488 |
8 | Hungary | 277,440 |
9 | Austria | 265,600 |
10 | Romania | 259,210 |
11 | Turkey | 228,000 |
12 | Lithuania | 206,120 |
13 | Czechia | 193,450 |
14 | Australia | 170,812 |
15 | Sweden | 153,300 |
16 | Serbia | 125,784 |
17 | Brazil | 100,545 |
18 | Italy | 63,730 |
19 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 61,781 |
20 | United Kingdom | 59,662 |
21 | Chile | 55,183 |
22 | Bulgaria | 54,210 |
23 | Denmark | 49,020 |
24 | Croatia | 42,990 |
25 | Canada | 39,148 |
26 | Greece | 37,950 |
27 | Switzerland | 37,747 |
28 | Belgium | 32,040 |
29 | Slovakia | 30,810 |
30 | Estonia | 27,690 |
31 | Mexico | 27,588 |
32 | Luxembourg | 26,730 |
33 | Slovenia | 26,390 |
34 | Latvia | 23,900 |
35 | Tunisia | 23,300 |
36 | Portugal | 20,660 |
37 | Finland | 9,580 |
38 | Netherlands | 5,630 |
39 | Ukraine | 2,746 |
40 | Cyprus | 1,140 |
Data from United Nations FAO Stat