March 25 2003, 19:49 APK-Inform

Grain stocks in home market are sufficient - Ukraine's grain association

President of Ukrainian Grain Association Mykola Kompanets says no problem exists in domestic grain market.

"I don't see any problem in the grain market. Grain is available," he said to a news conference March 25.

He said the stocks of wheat and other gains in domestic market were now 7 million tonnes. Commenting on current situation around grain market, he said that it could turn up in quite negative results. Thus, in the light of recent events - investigation of the procurator's office, numerous criminal proceedings against officials and companies, etc. - many companies have been refusing to provide investments for the upcoming sowing campaign, being afraid of the risks involved.

Besides, the UGA President believes the authorities must not handicap grain movements from region to region at the moment, as there are only 15 to 17 grain growing regions in Ukraine out of the 25, which can fully provide themselves with bread grain. The other regions must be donated. (Many regions have recently imposed bans for carrying grain out of their territories.)

Speaking about Ukraine's grain export potential, Companets noted that some 13.2 million tonnes of the 2003 crop grain had been contracted for export till the moment and this figure might rise for another 2 million tonnes. However, most probably it will be not wheat, he said.