Russia exported in July 2002/March 2003 2.8 million tons of feed barley against 2.56 million last crop year. In the Ukraine export contracts were registered for 3.055 million tons between July 1, 2002, and May 21, 2003. Last crop year total registrations were 2.824 million tons. Crop prospects are poor in both countries, after massive winterkill, followed by dryness and warm temperatures in spring. The state of crops is worse in the southern parts of both countries, while in the North and West of the Ukraine and in the Black Soil region of Russia there is hope for fair crops. In the CEEC May rains helped in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but the crops will be the worst since years in all Balkan states. Figures are changing constantly and are therefore not mentioned here, but the eastern half of Europe will lose most of its export potential and will need imports of quality grains.

03 June, 2003