BULGARIA (17 February)
The winter wheat area is officially reported to be about 900 000 hectares, down from the average of about 1 million hectares. The decline is attributed to adverse weather during the peak planting period last autumn, and poor returns on last year's crops for most small to medium sized wheat producers. Weather conditions for crops since planting are reported to have been generally satisfactory, apart from some frost damage reported in minor producing north-eastern parts. Prospects for the spring cereal planting are seen to be favourable, with soil moisture reserves generally improved compared to the previous year’s situation.