Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation (UAC) predicts export of grain in 2011/2012 marketing year (July 2011-June 2012) at 20-21 million tons, UAC Director General Serhiy Stoyanov says.

"I predict a medium optimistic grain yield this year at 45-46 million tons, thus the relevant exports forecast is 20-21 million tons," he said.

With regard to the corn harvest forecast, he noted that, with the sown 3.4 million hectares and an average yield of 45 centners per hectare, it is expected to harvest 15 million tons.

In addition, Stoyanov admitted that President Viktor Yanukovych may veto the law adopted by the Verkhovna Rada to impose duties on grain exports. He reminded that, according to UAC calculations, the introduction of fees will reduce the purchasing price for grain in the domestic market and, consequently, will cause a loss on farmers at around 6 billion UAH.

UKRINFORM