In the Balkans, the lowest harvest in 15 years and problems with quality

Romania and Bulgaria are among the largest producers of sunflower seeds in the EU, along with France and Hungary, but this year has been quite difficult, writes Agroportal.bg. Sunflower yields in Bulgaria, according to experts, have fallen to 1.55 t/ha, while in Romania farmers expect to harvest 1.45 t/ha. Compared to the previous year, which was also somewhat affected by drought, the yield decreased by 16.2% in Bulgaria and by 32.5% in Romania. Compared to the average 5-year indicator, the yield is 29% and 34.7% lower, respectively. Maize yields in Bulgaria have fallen even further because the crop is less resilient to water shortages and much of the region as a whole is not irrigated. The yield is estimated at 3.45 t/ha, which is 22.5% less than last year and 38% less than the 5-year average. Maize yields in Romania are forecast at 3.5 t/ha, which is 22% lower than in 2023 and 19% lower than the 5-year average. The heat also led to an increase in the content of aflatoxins in ...