Moldova on track for a record wheat harvest in 2026

Moldova is on course to produce one of its largest wheat crops in recent years. According to estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), the country’s 2026 wheat harvest is expected to reach 1.58 mln tons from 339 thsd ha, with an average yield of 4.6 t/ha.

State Secretary Vasile Șarban said the projected harvest would exceed the 1.565 mln tons produced in 2021, which has been regarded as one of the strongest agricultural seasons of the decade. Although the increase is modest, the 2026 season is expected to rank among the best for Moldova’s farming sector in recent years.

Prospects are also favorable for other winter crops. Winter rapeseed production is forecast at around 310 thsd tons from 90.6 thsd ha, with an average yield of 3.4 t/ha, while winter barley output is expected to exceed 206 thsd tons from 62.9 thsd ha, with yields averaging 3.28 t/ha. The figures point to a strong overall season for Moldova’s major field crops.

According to Șarban, favorable weather conditions have played a key role in crop development. A snowy winter, adequate soil moisture reserves accumulated during spring, and moderate temperatures helped ensure good crop conditions. He noted that winter crops have already largely secured their yield potential, with only severe weather events such as heavy rainfall or hail during harvest posing a significant risk.

Harvesting is already underway across Moldova. The campaign is in its second week in the southern regions, while spring barley harvesting has begun in the north. MAIA estimates that the country needs only 350–380 thsd tons of wheat for domestic consumption, meaning the expected harvest will fully cover internal demand and leave substantial exportable supplies.

Tags: Moldova, crop forecast, wheat