April 14 2006, 15:29

Poltava processors worry about the problems of cucumber supplies contracting

The processing enterprises are worrying; the local cucumber producers are reluctant to sign contracts on raw materials supplies with the canneries. The canneries' representatives say in 2006 1.5-2 times less contracts have been signed than in the same period of time in 2005. Taking into account a serious cucumber deficit in 2005, the processors' worries are reasonable.

According to the information provided to "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal by Yuri Konyaev, the Market Information Specialist of Poltava office, Agricultural Marketing Project, though cucumber is a very expensive and popular crop, professional producers plan to reduce cucumber acreage 7-10%. A severe lack of labor resources is the main problem for the farmers during the harvesting season. Local population also supplies much to the canneries, but villagers do not plan to extend cucumber acreage as well.