Wheat crop in Bulgaria expected to hit a three-year low

The harvest of wheat and barley in Bulgaria is drawing to a close. Like in the major Black Sea countries (Ukraine, Russia), first these crops suffered from drought in the grain formation period, and then from abundant rains at the height of the harvest.

These agrometeorological conditions affected both yield and quality of grain. In Bulgaria, wheat and barley yields in the course of harvesting are 8-10% lower than last year.

UkrAgroConsult somewhat reduces its forecast for wheat production in the country. Thus, the 2018 wheat crop in Bulgaria will be a three-year low of 5.3-5.5 MMT. This may cut export availabilities also.

It is worth noting that, according to preliminary information of market players, Bulgarian wheat exports in the 2017/18 season hit an all-time high.

According to UkrAgroConsult estimates, barley production in Bulgaria will drop to an 11-year low due to both further reduction of the barley planted area in the country and decreased yields.