AMA: Suša znižuje žito za 14% pod 5-letnim povprečjem

The Austrian grain harvest this year has been significantly impacted by extreme drought and heat, with the production of wheat falling 14.4 percent below the five-year average, according to the Agrarmarkt Austria (AMA). The organization announced these figures on Wednesday, noting that the total grain output excluding maize stands at around 2.5 million tons, 19 percent lower than last year’s robust yield. This decline marks one of the worst harvests in recent years, with some regions experiencing unprecedented dryness. The drought has affected both the area planted and the yield per hectare. For wheat specifically, the AMA reported a harvest of approximately 1.24 million tons, representing a 22.4 percent drop compared to the previous year and an 18.4 percent decrease relative to the long-term average. A shrinking planting area, down by 2 percent, and a sharp reduction in yield, which fell to 4.9 tons per hectare, a 22.2 percent decline, have contributed to this outcome. The quality of the harvested bread wheat, however, remains high, according to AMA chief Günter Griesmayr. Maize, which is still being harvested, is also expected to show a subpar yield. The overall grain production including maize is projected to reach 4.5 million tons, marking an 18.4 percent decrease from the previous year and a 12.2 percent shortfall against the five-year average. These figures highlight the widespread impact of the climatic conditions on agricultural output. The severe weather conditions have led to record levels of dryness in certain parts of the country. Farmers have faced challenges throughout the growing season, with prolonged periods of high temperatures and minimal rainfall reducing soil moisture and stressing crops. The situation has raised concerns among agricultural experts, who warn that such extremes could become more frequent due to climate change. Despite the reduced yields, Griesmayr emphasized that there will still be sufficient quantities of grain available for the production of bread, flour, and baked goods. He noted that the high quality of the harvested wheat is a positive factor, potentially helping to offset some of the losses in quantity. However, the challenge remains in ensuring that supply meets demand, particularly given the ongoing global food security concerns. Agricultural authorities are now focusing on assessing the full extent of the damage and planning for future seasons. With the current harvest season drawing to a close, attention will shift to recovery efforts and potential policy responses aimed at supporting farmers and stabilizing the market. The coming months will be crucial in determining how well the sector can adapt to these increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.