Dry weather devastates Bulgarian corn harvest

tonnes compared to last year. This decline reflects the severe impact of climate challenges on the country’s agricultural sector. The FAS indicates that further adjustments to the forecast may occur depending on harvest progress. Bulgaria’s Ministry of Agriculture reported the corn harvest began mid-August, earlier than usual, yielding a disappointing 2 tonnes per hectare. Planted areas have shrunk for the second consecutive year, down 19% year on year, driven by low yields and falling corn prices. Experts note that farmers plan to further reduce planting areas in 2026-27, with some considering removing corn from crop rotation, even at the risk of losing subsidies. Rising domestic demand for corn processing for food, expanding ethanol production, and increased feed needs from the poultry and swine industries may necessitate higher imports, according to the FAS. Meanwhile, wheat production in Bulgaria is expected to rise by 8.5% in 2025-26, supported by a 6.2% increase in harvested ...