EU crop yield forecasts remain above the 5-year average despite challenging weather conditions

Yield forecasts at EU level were slightly revised downward but remain above the 5-year average. The yield forecast for winter crops further improved for Spain and Portugal, but was reduced for Italy, and several countries of western Europe, as well as for Hungary, where the overall yield outlook remains positive.

Persistently wet conditions challenge crops and farmers in north-western Europe and northern Italy

Wet conditions in large areas in western Europe, as well as in Denmark, and northern Italy, resulted in water logging, high pest pressure and/or delays to sowing, with potentially negative effects on crop yields. 

Cold spell in April caused severe damage to fruits and vineyards, but damage to annual crops was limited

An abrupt cold spell in the second half of April severely impacted fruits and vineyards in several parts of Europe, but damage to annual crops is expected to have been limited. The temperature drop was most pronounced in southern and eastern Germany, and bordering regions in Czechia and Poland, as well as in southern Finland. 

Water deficit affected crops in several parts of central, southern and eastern Europe 

In eastern Germany and Poland, water deficit started to build up; more rain is needed to sustain the so-far-positive outlook. Warm and dry conditions in southern Italy negatively affected the grain filling of winter crops. 

In Russia, a distinct water deficit combined with cold spells created unfavourable conditions for winter crops’ development, and caused delays to spring sowing. In Türkiye, yield expectations for winter cereals were moderated by a distinct water deficit in western regions and a heat spell in south-eastern parts of the country.

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