Bulgaria Increases Rapeseed Processing Amid Lowest Harvest Since 2008

Season Summary 2024/2025

This is reported by AgroReview

This season, Bulgaria has recorded the lowest rapeseed harvest since the 2008/2009 marketing year. This is due to both a reduction in planted areas and low crop yields. As a result of decreased production, rapeseed exports from the country have fallen by 47% compared to the previous season of 2023/2024 marketing year.

Export and Processing Structure in Bulgaria

For the seventh consecutive season, Bulgaria has been exporting nearly all of its grown rapeseed within the European Union, while shipments to Turkey remain minimal. Despite a gradual decline in production, the country is experiencing a steady trend of increasing rapeseed processing volumes. This is accompanied by an increase in imports to support the operations of processing enterprises.

Forecasts for the 2025/2026 Season

According to current forecasts, in the new season, Bulgaria may significantly increase its rapeseed harvest—an increase of 80% is expected compared to the current season due to the expansion of planted areas and improved yields. At the same time, the priority for the country will remain rapeseed processing, and the product market will continue to be oriented towards EU countries.

“The reduction in harvest leads to a decrease in rapeseed exports (-47% compared to 2023/24 MY). For the seventh season in a row, nearly 100% of rapeseed is exported within the EU, with minimal volumes shipped to Turkey.”