FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/02 - ROMANIA (3 April)
Beneficial rainfall in eastern parts in March improved conditions for winter crops development and improved spring crop planting prospects but more rainfall is needed, especially in the west of the country. Latest information indicates a significant reduction in winter wheat plantings last autumn due partly to adverse weather and partly to a shift of land out of cereal crops encouraged by the Government. The winter wheat area is estimated at 2.16 million tonnes, 14 percent down from 2001 and production is expected to fall accordingly.