June 26 2007, 14:02

Ukraine: prices for field tomatoes will be higher comparing to 2006

First shipments of field tomatoes will start entering markets not earlier than next week; despite of this fact, the average prices for this produce will obviously be on the level of past year prices. Moreover, some market players admit the possibility for tomato prices to grow, because the tomato harvest in the southern regions of Ukraine is the situation of strain at the present moment.

Many producers inform about almost fully lost harvest as they don't possess irrigation systems. There have been no rainfalls in Kherson, Nikolayev and Odesa regions, AR Crimea since mid April. The yield will be lower than forecasted even on the cultivation areas where irrigation (including drip irrigation) is applied - the plants are often in the stressed condition because of high temperature there.

To the opinion of the specialists of ""Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal", this situation may lead to the price growth for field tomatoes supplied to the fresh market. Earlier the periodical forecasted 17-20% tomato production decrease comparing to 2006 mostly as a consequence of acreage reduction. As of today, 30% production decrease is quite possible.

It is worth mentioning that the prices for commercial tomatoes (to be processed into tomato paste, tomato juice and ketchup) won't probably change mush comparing to the previous year, because their upper level is limited by the price for imported tomato paste of Chinese origin.