July 26, 2004

Poland 2004 Grain Harvest Seen 24.9-25.9 Million MT, Up 16-21%
 
In its first estimate for the 2004 grain crop, Poland's government Central Statistical Office, or GUS, forecast a total harvest of between 24.9 million metric tons and 25.9 million tons, up by around 16%-21% on year ago levels.
 
The figures released Friday showed an estimated wheat harvest of 9.1 million tons to 9.5 million tons, up 15%-20%, and a rapeseed crop of 1.2-1.3 million tons, up 45%-63%. The rye harvest is seen at 4.0-4.1 million tons, up 25%-30% from 2003.
 
GUS said mild winter temperatures and ample rainfall in the first half of the year should result in significant increases over the disappointing 2003 harvest, which saw annual falls of 13.7% grain production and 16.1% in rapeseed output.