Bulgaria's Wheat Production Costs Soar by Nearly 50% Amid Global Headwinds

Bulgaria's wheat production costs have skyrocketed by nearly 50% in recent times. According to grain producers' representative Lyudmil Rabotov, wheat is currently being bought at around €160-180/t depending on quality.

The main pressure on costs comes from higher prices for fuel, fertilizers and crop protection products, which have risen by 30-50%. Industry estimates show that wheat production previously cost about €100 per decare, compared with around €150 per decare now.

Bulgaria harvested a larger wheat crop this year, but this has not significantly improved producer margins due to high input costs and weak purchase prices. Grain producers are calling for faster payments ahead of the autumn sowing campaign.