Romanian wheat output to fall back from records

Romanian wheat production in the 2022-23 marketing year is projected to fall back to long-term averages from record levels this year, following declining soil moisture levels and lower fertiliser use.

Romania’s wheat harvest next year is projected at 10.35mn t, down from this year’s bumper output of 11.15mn t but broadly in line with the 2017-19 average of 10mn t, according to projections from Argus’ agricultural advisory arm, Agritel.

Production levels are projected lower following prolonged drought conditions in August-September, which reduced soil moisture, particularly in southeast Romania. Rising fertiliser prices globally have limited fertiliser use during the planting period, further weighing on yields.

That said, more favourable sowing conditions later this autumn have slightly improved germination of winter crops, with 2022-23 wheat yields now forecast at 4.86 t/hectare (ha), in line with the previous five-year average, but lower than this year’s record 5.21 t/ha.

Romania’s winter wheat harvested areas are projected at 2.13mn ha, only marginally below last year’s 2.14mn ha. Good seeding conditions and historically high prices for wheat globally have prompted farmers to switch to wheat from other crops.

Such output levels could allow Romania to maintain its position as the third-largest wheat producer in the EU after France and Germany. Romania already exported some 3.6mn t of wheat to non-EU countries since the start of the 2021-22 marketing year in July, largely ahead of Germany at 1.52mn t, provisional European Commission data show.

Argus Media

Tags: wheat harvest, record levels, Romania, wheat, wheat production, Fertiliser