MARS estimates K. maize yields in 2022 in the EU 20% below the previous year The Agrometeorological Institute of the EU Commission (MARS) estimated the K. maize yields in selected member states by an average of 20% below the previous year at the end of Oct.-22 on the basis of climate data or 19% compared to the 5-year mean. Among other things, the results provide the basis for harvest estimates in the EU. In the individual growing regions, however, the yields per hectare varied. Compared to the 5-year average , Hungary was the worst performer with a -47% decline in yield. This is followed by Romania with reduced yields of 34%. Italy also suffered a 31% drop in earnings. There were less severe setbacks for France (-13%), Spain (-11%), Belgium and the Netherlands (-11%).For Germany , -10% is estimated compared to the 5-year average, with a drop of -17% compared to the previous year. The 5-year average includes the drought-related yield low in 2018 as well as the above-average result in 2020. The average regional yield level over several years ranges from almost 12 t in Spain to 9.5 t in Germany and 6 t in Romania . Soil conditions, climate and production technology largely determine the level. Only in Portugal (+5%) and Estonia (+2%) are the maize yields above average in 2022. The EU-COM estimates the total EU maize harvest for 2022 at 53 million tonnes , compared to around 70 million tonnes in the previous year. Imports from third countries increase from 16.5 to 21 million tons . The degree of self-sufficiency is calculated at 72%:
