FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - ESTONIA (28 May)
Spring grain planting and emergence is underway but crop establishment is being affected by cold weather. Aggregate area of grains has stabilized at about 350 000 hectares per annum. The early outlook for 1999 cereal production is satisfactory and output could reach 700 000 tonnes. A crop insurance scheme, covering grain, potatoes and rape has been introduced, and is being supported by the government. GDP is expected to remain positive in 1999 despite setbacks in the livestock industry and disruption of trade with the Russian Federation.