• Romania is preparing to mark a historic moment in its agriculture, with a wheat harvest estimated at 12,2 million tons in the 2025-2026 agricultural season, which will begin on July 1, 2025.
According to analysts from Argus Media, this production will be the largest recorded by our country after 1997, consolidating Romania's position as one of the most important wheat exporters in the European Union.
The significant increase in wheat production, compared to the 10,2 million tons estimated for the current season, is due to several factors. On the one hand, yields per hectare have improved due to advanced agricultural technologies and favorable conditions this year. On the other hand, the areas sown with wheat have been expanded, as Romanian farmers capitalize on the opportunities offered by the high global demand for cereals.
Weather conditions also played a crucial role. Although cooler spring weather has delayed plant development, forecasts indicate a warm and dry period in the coming weeks, ideal for the final ripening phase of the wheat. Harvesting is expected to begin in the next four weeks, varying by region.
Romania, a key player in the global cereal market
Romania's status on the international wheat market is increasingly solid. In the current agricultural season, Romanian wheat exports even surpassed those of France, the European Union's traditional main exporter, according to European Commission data. This performance underlines Romania's strategic role in supplying cereals to European and global markets.
Moreover, the importance of Romanian ports, especially the one in Constanta, has increased significantly. The American stock exchange operator CME Group began using prices from Romanian and Bulgarian ports for new Black Sea wheat futures contracts, a recognition of Romania's regional influence in the grain trade.
Although the outlook is optimistic, Romanian farmers are not without challenges. 2024 was a difficult year, with the lowest wheat production in a decade, affected by drought and heatwave. However, rains in the spring of 2025 revived crops, especially in regions like Moldova, where farmers report fields "green and beautiful".
Analyst Cezar Gheorghe, founder of AGRIColumn, estimates that the 2025 wheat harvest could even surpass the record of 2021, when Romania obtained 11,33 million tons, the highest production since joining the European Union. In addition, the total cereal harvest could reach 30 million tons, providing a significant boost to the national economy.
However, farmers face logistical pressures and low prices on the international market, with wheat being quoted at around 188 euros per tonne in the Port of Constanta. To maximise profits, experts recommend investing in local grain processing, following the example of Poland, which has developed a high-value-added agri-food industry.
The impact on the economy
Record wheat production in 2025 has the potential to contribute significantly to Romania's gross domestic product (GDP) growth, in an uncertain global economic context. Agriculture, which has made a positive contribution to GDP in good years, could offset difficulties in other sectors.
Internationally, Romania continues to play a key role in ensuring food security, especially in regions such as the Middle East, where Egypt is an important buyer. Our country has also supported Ukraine's grain exports through the Port of Constanta, in the context of the blockade of Ukrainian ports by Russia.
The year 2025 marks a spectacular comeback for Romanian agriculture, after difficult years marked by drought and lack of irrigation. However, experts point to the need to modernize agricultural infrastructure, especially irrigation systems, to ensure stable production in the future.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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