FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/00 - SOUTH AFRICA (8 November)

SOUTH AFRICA (8 November)

Harvesting of the 2000 wheat crop is well advanced. Latest production forecast have been revised upwards to 1.9 million tonnes, 22 percent above the poor crop of last year. At this level, however, production is still below average mainly as a result of reduced plantings.

Planting of the 2000/01 maize crop is underway. Normal to above-normal rains in October, particularly in the maize belt, have favoured field operations so far. However, the area planted is expected to decline in response to low domestic prices. Early official forecast point to a decrease up to 25 percent from last year's level but this decline could be lower than anticipated reflecting increasing future prices.

Final official estimates indicate an above-average 2000 maize crop of 10.2 million tonnes, 42 higher than in the previous year. Despite severe floods in parts, abundant rains in the main growing areas resulted in increased yields. Export availability is estimated at about 2 million tonnes. Reflecting the bumper crop, prices of maize have declined to their lowest level since 1996.

Following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the Government has declared several quarantine zones in an attempt to control the expansion of the disease.

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