MARS estimates area yields of winter seeds for the first time in 2022 The Agrometeorological Institute of the EU Commission (MARS) has published an initial yield estimate for winter seeds. The basis is multi-year trend developments, which were partially corrected by deviating regional climate data up to March 18, 2022. First of all, it is noted that in most EU regions, mild winter weather makes the seed stands appear in a favorable condition. The soil conditions and the weather forecast provide favorable conditions for the forthcoming field work. However, some regions are exempt from this. The ongoing drought in the southeast, with a focus on southern Spain and the North African coast, is a cause for concern. It is also too dry in southern France and north-western Italy. Insufficient rainfall is also found in eastern Italy, the states on the Adriatic Sea and south-west Ukraine.Wet and cold conditions along the Adriatic coast, from Greece to Turkey, have resulted in vegetation being behind, but also in favor of favorable soil water supplies. Good water supply is observed in the southwestern part of Russia. This could reduce part of the war-related impairments of the coming harvest. In addition to the drought-related crop losses, the North African countries, which are highly dependent on imports, are also being massively impacted on their security of supply by the war in Ukraine. MARS estimates the average grain yields to be just under -1% below the previous year's level , but more than 3% compared to the 5-year average. However, the winter barley yields are expected to be significantly weaker. The area yields for rapeseed are expected to be above average.
