June 3 2005, 09:28 Interfax

Russia: 2005 grain crop will total 73-80 million tonnes - Grain Union

This year total grain crop of Russia will make 73-80 million tonnes, according to Alexander Korbut, Russian Grain Union Vice-President.

Last year Russian grain crop totalled 78 million tonnes.

A.Korbut emphasized the peculiarities of upcoming season staring on July 1. They are high carryover stocks, increase of export potential, priority of wheat export over barley export, decline of imports, high possibility of interventions.

According to his forecast, carryover stocks on July 1 will total in Russia nearly 11 million tonnes vs. 6.78 million tonnes a year ago. Potential exports will be 10-12 million tonnes vs. 8.3 million tonnes last year. Import will decrease from 2.5 million tonnes in 04\05 to 2-2.2 million tonne in 05/06. Domestic consumption of grain in 05/06 is forecast to total 69.5 million tonnes, which will be 1 million tonnes up from 04/05.

According to Korbut, Russia will materialize its export potential if government supports exporters.