September 26, 2011

Poland's grain output decreases 5.5% this year

Unfavourable conditions in autumn and spring are likely to cause Poland's grain output to decline by 5.5% this year to approximately 24.1 million tonnes, according to the statistics office GUS on Friday (Sep 23).

The estimate comes below an earlier GUS forecast from July, which predicted Polish 2011 grain harvest at 24.3-25.2 million tonnes.

Intensive rainfall in autumn 2010 delayed sowings, which left plants vulnerable to severe frosts in winter, the office said. Unusual spells of snow and low temperatures in May also took their toll.

Rapeseed output is expected to fall 10.1% this year to around 1.9 million tonnes, GUS also reported, neatly fitting into the office's earlier forecast of 1.8-2.0 million tonnes.