UN FAO expects decline in cereal production, exports in Moldova this agro year

CHISINAU. July 16 (Interfax) - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) forecasts Moldova's cereal exports in the 2026-2027 crop year (July-June) at 1.2 million tonnes, 15% below the average for the previous five years, according to the FAO's Moldova Outlook.

"This reflects a narrowing of the export surplus following the 2026 maize harvest, which is expected to be below average. While wheat exports will increase following a favorable 2026 harvest, declining exportable maize stocks will limit total cereal exports in the 2026-2027 crop year, keeping them below the five-year average," the publication said.

Total grain production in Moldova in 2026 is expected to be approximately 2.6 million tonnes, 10% below the five-year average, according to the report.

Meanwhile, the FAO forecasts that the wheat harvest in Moldova this year will be approximately 1.5 million tonnes, almost 10% above the five-year average. This is due to favorable weather conditions during the growing season, which could result in above-average yields.

The maize harvest forecast for 2026 is approximately 877,000 tonnes, almost 30% below average due to reduced planting area. FAO experts attributed this to the negative impact of high temperatures and low precipitation between May and June, which limited crop development and reduced yields, particularly in the main production areas - the central and southern regions of the country.