Bulgaria: Grain and Feed Market Update

FAS/Sofia’s marketing year (MY) 2023/24 corn production estimate is lowered to 2.5 million metric tons (MMT) based on the harvest progress to date. The corn crop suffered from severe and prolonged summer drought and high heat which reduced yields considerably. Conversely, barley production is increased due to favorable climate conditions and higher area planted. Wheat exports in MY 2023/24 have been dynamic and already reached 3.0 MMT as of early November, triggered by extra large beginning stocks, good export demand, and prices allowing positive margins for farmers. MY 2024/25 fall planting of winter grains has been challenging due to an unusually dry and warm fall. Wheat planting is 26 percent behind as of mid-November, but it is believed that farmers will make efforts to plant the traditional 1.0 million hectares (HA).