The European Union's agricultural service, MARS, on Monday (27) raised its productivity estimates for the bloc's main crops in 2026, given generally favorable weather conditions. For soft wheat, productivity was revised to 6.05 tons per hectare, above the 5.98 t/ha projected the previous month. The result is 3% higher than the average of the last five years, but still 4% below that recorded in the last harvest. For winter barley, productivity was estimated at 5.23 t/ha, above the 5.13 t/ha of the previous month, although still 8% below 2025. In the first projection for spring barley, MARS indicated 4.96 t/ha, a volume 4% higher than the five-year average. For rapeseed, the estimate was adjusted to 3.25 t/ha, slightly above the 3.22 t/ha previously forecast. According to the report, crop development remains positive across most of Europe, driven by mild temperatures, adequate soil moisture levels, and the progress of spring sowing. "Crop conditions across Europe remain generally favorable as the season progresses," MARS highlighted. Despite the positive outlook, there are areas of concern, given the water deficit in central, northern, and eastern Europe at a time when crops need rainfall. The document also warned of excessive rainfall in the southwest and parts of the east, as well as isolated cold spells that may have caused localized damage.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.