MARS values good average yields - Critical situation in Spain and the South-East of the EU The Agricultural Meteorological Institute of the European Commission (MARS) estimates that in many areas of the climate data analysis in the period from 1 to 17 April EU has given fairly moderate climatic conditions for plant production. Nevertheless, the general statement is very quickly restricted. In any case, there is a pronounced lack of precipitation in much of Spain, Portugal and northern Italy . This also applies to a number of South East European countries, with a particular focus on Bulgaria and Greece. Significantly above the average, the temperature sums in Central Europe, starting with the eastern German countries, were large parts of Poland across the Czech Republic, Slovenia Romania and Hungary. By contrast, above-average precipitation was observed in Ireland and the east coast of the UK .Also, the areas on the North Sea coast have gotten a lot of rain at above-average temperatures. High rainfall has also fallen in the Alpine region . Yield forecasts were compiled based on the climate data. The results are mostly in the range of the 5-year averages from 2014 to 2018. Wheat yields are estimated to be 1.2%, winter barley and rye are estimated to be 3.7% above the 5-year average . The comparison with the very weak previous year is not very meaningful. Significantly above-average yields are expected in the Scandinavian and Baltic countries due to the combination of high temperatures and sufficient rainfall. For France , 3.2% higher wheat yields predicted. Germany remains in midfield. Significant earnings losses are predicted in Austria, Hungary (-15%!), The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Bulgaria, as well as Greece.A according to the current weather forecasts emerging rain shortage in this country has not yet found reflected in the yield forecasts. If the predictions arrive, a good average EU harvest is expected. However, the crucial weather phase will be over in the coming months. Therefore, the last word is not spoken yet.
