Agriculture in 2018 - New rise in production, strong rebound in wine output

In 2018, agricultural production value increases by 5.7 % and exceeds levels prior to the sharp fall of 2016. Crop production significantly recovers, thanks to the combined rise of wine volume (+ 28.7 %) and of the prices of cereals and potatoes. In contrast, the value of animal output decreases as a result of the drop in pork price.

At the same time, after a four-year decline, the expenses of farmers pick up again (+ 2.1 %), due to energy price recovery. However, since they grow less than production, the added value of the agricultural branch significantly rises. Besides, agricultural employment keeps declining. In total, gross value added at factor cost per worker increases by 7.0 % in real terms in 2018, after + 11.6 % in 2017. The external balance of agricultural products recovers, led by grain sales.