August 20, 2010

Sweden sees lowest grain production in 15 years

Sweden is set to experience the worst grain harvest in 15 years as a result of unfavourable weather conditions during the sowing season, according to the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

"This would thus mean the lowest overall harvest of grain since 1995," the board wrote in a statement on Thursday (Aug 19).

Erratic weather during the cultivation season, combined with snow-covered fields has impacted autumn crops while the dry hot summer has primarily hit sensitive soil, affecting growth, the board explained.

The board develops its forecast based on weather and crop harvest data from the previous years, as well as data over cultivated acreage for 2010.

With Sweden being a small player on the international grain markets, the impact on the price of foodstuffs is likely to be small.