FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/02 - MOLDOVA (2 April)
Despite harsh winter and long periods of frost, winterkill has not been significant and winter crops are seen to match the improved harvest of the preceding year. Given favourable weather conditions prevail in the ensuing season, Moldova is set to harvest 2.7 million tonnes of grains in 2002, which is similar to 2001 but nearly 750 000 tonnes higher than the average harvest of the previous six years. Moldova, despite being a predominantly agrarian economy, will remain a net importer of grains in 2002/03, mainly food grade wheat (20 000 tonnes) and some rice (6 000 tonnes).