Estonian farmers hopeful for good harvest this year

TALLINN - Cereals are being grown on a total of 386,546 hectares in Estonia this year, with slightly over 13 percent being organic crops, and farmers are hopeful for a good harvest this year, according to the agricultural registers and information agency PRIA.

Among cereals, wheat is being grown the most, covering 178,446 hectares, followed by barley on 98,616 hectares, oats on 50,997 hectares, and rye on 18,601 hectares. Spring crops account for 44 percent of the area for cereals, while winter crops make up 56 percent. The majority of the area for wheat is used for winter wheat, at 80 percent, while spring barley dominates barley cultivation, at 68 percent.

Oil and fiber crops are being grown on a total of 68,480 hectares. The majority of this area is covered by rapeseed and turnip rape, which extend to 63,212 hectares. Of this, 79 percent is for winter rapeseed and turnip rape. Organic crops constitute 11 percent of the oil and fiber crop area.

Legume crops are being grown on 65,556 hectares this year, with peas occupying 52,039 hectares and broad beans 10,943 hectares. Nearly 12 percent of the legume crop area is organic.

In southern Estonia, the harvest of the main oil crop -- winter turnip rape and winter barley -- has already begun. Starting next week, the harvesting of other crops will also begin.

Olav Kreen, a cereal farmer and member of the supervisory board of the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, said that there is reason for optimism ahead of the harvest. 

“Last year, the drought severely affected farmers, but based on the current situation, we dare to predict a significantly better harvest," Kreen said.