July 23, 2010

Ukraine requires 4.5 million tonnes of grain as reserves

President Viktor Yanukovych highlighted the necessity to form Ukraine's food reserves and has given instructions to purchase 4-4.5 million tonnes of grain for the Agrarian Fund.

The president has raised this issue during a meeting with Agrarian Policy Minister Mykola Prysiazhniuk.

Yanukovych also instructed to start preparation for autumn field works. Separately, the president instructed to intensify development of a programme for development of milk and meat cattle-breeding.

According to Prysiazhniuk, the May forecast of the grain yield at 46 million tonnes was reduced by 3.5 million tonnes due to difficult weather/climate conditions. Taking into consideration the amended forecast, it was determined that total volume of grain exports in 2010-2011 marketing year will make up 16 million tonnes.

With reference to a report on agrarian reforms, Yanukovych emphasised the minister's responsibility for the realisation of the reforms and alignment of Ukrainian agro-industrial standards with EU norms.