Milling wheat share in Romania’s harvest falls from 85% to 55%

Romania harvested a large wheat crop in 2026, but its quality deteriorated significantly compared with the previous season. According to Leonardo Lambrea of UBM Romania, the country’s wheat production is estimated at around 13.5 mln tons, while the share of milling-quality wheat declined to 55% from approximately 85% a year earlier. He presented these estimates at the Grain Academy conference held in Sofia on October 22.

The decline in the milling wheat share means a larger supply of feed-grade grain, which could affect the structure of exports and domestic processing. Despite the substantial overall harvest, the availability of wheat suitable for flour milling is more limited than total production figures might suggest. This could also widen the price spread between milling and feed wheat.

Production of other grain crops in Romania is also estimated at relatively high levels. Barley output is estimated at around 3.5 mln tons, while corn production is forecast at 7.8–8 mln tons. Meanwhile, the area planted with corn has declined significantly following several difficult seasons marked by unfavorable weather conditions and financial losses for farmers.

However, strong production figures do not necessarily translate into improved financial conditions for Romanian farmers. After several years of drought and losses, some farms remain burdened by debt and high financing costs. Delays in debt repayments are also negatively affecting suppliers of seeds, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs.

Logistical challenges remain an additional constraint on exports, particularly low Danube water levels and rising inland transportation costs. These factors reduce the competitive advantage of shipping grain through the port of Constanța, which handles both Romanian grain and cargoes from neighboring countries. According to UBM Romania, expanding domestic grain processing could help the country capture more added value from its harvest and reduce dependence on raw commodity exports.

Tags: wheat, milling wheat, Romania