Volcano ash emissions in August have affected pastures and livestock, and fields of foodcrops in the central province of Bolivar. Some impact on the population’s health is also reported. Furthermore, the country has been affected by heavy rainfall and landslides on the eastern side of the Andes mountains range in July, with consequent local damage to crops, livestock, and rural housing and infrastructure. Harvesting of the 2002 winter maize crop (planted December/April), which accounts for some 75 per cent of total domestic maize output, has been completed and about 451 000 tonnes of yellow maize have been collected. Also sowing of the summer crop (planted June/August) for harvesting from October has been completed. Prospects are good and total maize output in 2002 should be above average. Harvesting of the 2002 second season paddy crop is due to start from October and an above-average output of 1.3 million tonnes for the year is tentatively forecast.