CHILE (26 September)
Planting of 2006 winter wheat crop, to be harvested from December to March, has been recently completed and early official estimates indicate considerable reduction in the area planted, from 420 000 to 350 000 hectares. Planting of 2006 maize crop is about to start in departments VI, VII and north of VIII and planting intentions point to 120 000 hectares, about 10 percent less than last year. The reduction of planted area with wheat and maize crops is mainly due to the low prices obtained during 2005 marketing year and the consequent farmers’ decision to divert land toward more profitable crops, such as barley or vegetables. For instance, planted area of 2006 barley crop is expected to increase from 22 000 to almost 30 000 hectares as a consequence of the establishment of new contracts with national breweries, which guarantee prices and marketing to farmers.
Import requirements for marketing year 2005/06 (July/June) are forecast at 640 000 tonnes of maize (mostly yellow maize), 320 000 tonnes of wheat and 90 000 tonnes of rice.