FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - GUATEMALA (22 June)
Planting of the 1999/2000 first season cereal and bean crops started last month with the arrival of the rainy season. Prospects are good and the area planted to maize, the main cereal, is anticipated to be about average. Average plantings of sorghum, as well as of paddy, are also expected. Food assistance from the international community continues to be distributed to the population severely affected by hurricane “Mitch” last year. International technical assistance is also being provided to affected small farmers.