Domestic agricultural markets wither and thrive

Rape-seed, currently listed at zł.950 a ton, is expected to grow to over zł.1000. Corn's price should also go up. Wheat, on the other hand, is expected to fall to zł.400 a ton. The minister of agriculture has excluded any special price changes in price regulation purchases of crops. As before, the Agricultural Market Agency (ARR) is going to purchase crops for EUR 103.31 a ton. An unusual situation, on the other hand, is taking place on the meat market. The supply of meat is low, while demand on the retail market also is low, making margins close to nil. A heat wave is likely to maintain this tendency and there is little chance to do away with the Russian and Ukrainian import ban soon, despite the EU's efforts. Therefore supply and demand are beginning to reach a balance, which stabilizes the price. A drought is very likely to increase the price of berries as well as vegetables, especially more vulnerable crops like cucumbers or tomatoes. (Rzeczpospolita, July 22-23, p.B2) J.L.