FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/98 -EC (3 September)
FAO now forecasts total cereal output in the Community at 210 million tonnes, slightly up from the previous forecast and 1 percent above the 1997 crop. Wheat crops have performed particularly well as a result of favourable weather conditions and above-average to record crops are expected in most countries. Aggregate wheat production is now forecast at 102 million tonnes, 7 percent up from 1997. With regard to the coarse grains, barley and rye production are also forecast to increase from the previous year but output of oats will be reduced. The summer maize crop is forecast to decline sharply from last year’s record level. Plantings were reduced in France, Italy and Spain, the largest producers, and this seasons weather conditions have not been ideal for this crop. Nevertheless, maize output in the Community is forecast to reach almost 36 million tonnes, remaining above the average of the past 5 years.
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