FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/01 - URUGUAY (3 September)
The area planted to wheat has been revised downwards to 150 000 hectares following a delay in soil preparation due to intensive rains in early winter and financial constraints. This area represents an increase of 22 percent from the area planted last year. An estimated 115 000 hectares of barley have been planted, representing a 31 percent increase from last year. Both crops were favoured by a cold and rainy winter and they look in good conditions. Heavy rains in August forced the evacuation of about 3 000 people in the northern department of Artigas. Earlier this year, heavy rains in June also caused localized floods and left 8 000 people homeless in the same area.