Bulgaria: Grain and Feed Market Update

Based on the final official harvest data, the Bulgarian corn crop fell to only 1.5 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2024/25. This is the smallest corn crop since 2012, and was impacted by intense summer heat and drought followed by adverse rainy weather during the harvest. Corn import levels are growing this year due to the local supply deficit and continued demand for high-quality corn for food use. Domestic consumption of wheat and barley in MY 2024/25 is increasing due to the substitution from corn for feed and for industrial use, which lowers exportable surpluses. Because of this wheat exports are lagging 10 percent behind last year’s level, with almost 80 percent destined for markets outside the European Union (EU). Despite higher domestic use, because of the bumper barley crop, exports have doubled compared to MY 2023/24. Local farmers increased planted area under winter grains for the MY 2025/26 harvest and current production prospects are positive.