Changes in grain production, mechanisms for sale of grain and possible effects on grain quality in Lithuania in the period 1990-1999

The systems for farming and trading grain in Lithuania changed dramatically between 1990 and 1999. In 1990, about 90% of all grain-producing land and grain production was controlled by state-owned enterprises (kolkhozes). By 1999, family farms controlled 76% of the grain-producing land and the remai nder was controlled by private enterprises. The grain trade was completely state controlled in 1990, whereas in 1999 most of the grain produced was ei ther sold to private grain-processing companies or fed to animals on the fa rms where it was produced. The total production of barley, rye and wheat, c onstituting 85% of all grain produced, varied between 1790 x 10(3) and 2880 x 10(3) t. In the period studied, barley constituted 41-55%, wheat 29-41% and rye 12-16% of the total yearly production of grains. The average produc tion of grain was 1800-3300 kg ha(-1) year(-1) and highest in the central r egion of Lithuania. Productivity was similar in family farms and enterprise s. Problems with grain production and quality, especially fungal infections and mycotoxins, occur mainly at small-holdings rather than at the economic ally strong farms.