Winter crops in EU countries are in satisfactory condition

Winter crops are in fair to good condition in most parts of the European Union, according to a report from the European agency MARS.

In January, heavy rainfall hit northwestern France. Although the rainfall was not abnormal when viewed as a whole for the reporting period, this, combined with already high soil moisture levels and relatively low temperatures, created unfavourable conditions for crop development.

Clear precipitation deficits are observed in many parts of Central and Eastern Europe. Winter crops in western Romania and Bulgaria have been suffering from a lack of moisture since the beginning of the season, which will lead to possible reseeding in the spring. Also of concern is the low or absent snow cover in these regions. The lack of snow exposes winter crops to an increased risk of freezing in the event of severe cold.

Precipitation amount from 21 to 31 January, in % of the long-term norm

Precipitation amount from 1 to 15 February, in % of the long-term norm