ARGENTINA, May 9, 2002 (USDA) -- Lack of credit and devaluation of theArgentine peso are expected shift area next year to crops which requirelower inputs such as soybeans and sunflower. Soybean production this yearis estimated to increase to 30 million tons (up 500,000 tons from theprevious estimate). Soybean production next year is expected to be 29.5million tons, as lower yields offset higher area.

PARAGUAY, May 9, 2002 (USDA) -- Soybean production for the current crop isestimated to fall to 3.1 million tons due to drought damage in Decemberand January. Production is expected to recover next year to reach 3.6million tons. Cottonseed production is down due to sharply lower area of180,000 ha. Area is expected to recover somewhat and increase to 200,000ha. next year.

(The informations and opinions expressed in this article represent theviews of the author only. They should not be seen as necessarilyreflecting the views of Palm News)