DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (18 September)
Normal to abundant rains are reported, particularly in the northern parts in mid-September due to the remote passage of Hurricane “Isabel”. No damage to crops is reported. Both food and cash crops are reported in good condition, mainly as a consequence of the normal rains that have prevailed throughout the growing season. Harvesting of the 2003/04 first season maize crop is well advanced and satisfactory output is anticipated. A well-above-average paddy output is also expected.
Significant price increases in basic food items and other essential articles continue to be reported, thus affecting some of the most vulnerable population groups in the country. Production of some important food items such as poultry has started to decline in response to lower demand.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2003/04 (July/June) are forecast at 330 000 tonnes, while those of maize stand at 700 000 tonnes. Imports of beans should amount to about 30 000 tonnes.