Romania and Bulgaria expect good wheat crops this year, which could keep exports strong in 2014-2015, despite the heavy rains that affected the lower Danube river plains, Reuters reports.

Romania harvested a crop of about 7.4 million tonnes last year, an eight-year record, and has emerged as a major cereal exporter to Egypt, the world's biggest wheat importer.

High volumes plus decent crop quality in 2013/14, notably in eastern Europe, has allowed the European Union to benefit from brisk global demand and set a wheat export record.

"We've complained of drought until this year, we now pray for a halt in rains. Powerful storms have dashed to ground wheat plants on hundreds of hectares," said Constantin Bazon, Vice-President of LAPAR farmers association, cited by Reuters.

Romanian harvesting is expected to begin next week. According to producers surveyed by farming portal recolta.eu, the output is to be steady from 2013 with some falls likely in the south.

The entire Reuters story here.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com