ARMENIA* (2 February) The early outlook for the winter grains, which form the bulk of the foodgrain harvest, is satisfactory. The area sown to winter wheat has likely remained around 100 000 hectares, close to last year's level. Domestic grain production in 1997 was around 330 000 tonnes, about half of the domestic cereal requirement estimated at 672 000 tonnes. Against the cereal import requirement, estimated at 340 000 tonnes, some 147 000 tonnes of food aid have been pledged to date and most of the balance is expected to be imported commercially. However, economic recovery slowed in 1997 and some 400 000 vulnerable people continue to be in need of humanitarian assistance. Food relief needs for targeted distribution have not yet been covered. WFP, which is targeting 220 000 people with takehome rations or food-for- work projects, urges donors to confirm and make further contributions against its 1998 shortfall of 17,600 tonnes of food. NGOs are also providing targeted food assistance.