Ukraine: 2.4 million tonnes of barley exported since the start of this marketing year

According to Agrarian Policy Ministry's data, as of January 12, 2006 since the start of this marketing year (July 1) Ukraine exported 2.4 million tonnes of barley, AgriMarket.Info posted on January 19. In the MY 2004/05 Ukraine shipped to external markets some 4.31 million tonnes of barley.

Since the start of this marketing year (July 1) the country exported 7.611 million tonnes of grain - up by 1.731 million tonnes from the same period of last season, Agrarian Policy Ministry of Ukraine Olexandr Baranivsky told a new conference January 18.

The minister noted a considerable increase in the exports of maize as compared with last season. He said that the ministry's professionals were "examining the current situation" and were about "to prepare recommendation for the subsequent actions". In particular, he said, in the nearest time the ministry might direct a letter to the regions, whereby it will be advising the farmers to take into account the active demand for maize and the growth of prices on external markets. The minister believes that the farmers should take advantage of the situation and raise the prices.

The chief farmer of Ukraine informed that as of the current moment situation on Ukrainian grain market was stable, but that he was "slightly concerned" with the increase in exports.

"I am concerned lest the population of Ukraine was left without grain and the animal breeding industry - without good quality feeds. Therefore, if we see that there is a threat, we must take some economic measures in order that grain be used in Ukraine", he said.

At the start of this season the ministry was forecasting grain exports from the country at the level of 8 to 10 million tonnes.