2020 Focus on Black Sea

With our team dispersed across the region and our fleet of mobile testing facilities available, even with the limitations imposed due to COVID-19, we have been able to maintain our on site testing so we can deliver quick and efficient test results and comprehensive statistics for our clients.

The weather in Russia, particularly in the south in Krasnodar, Crimea and Stavropol, has had a negative impact on this season's crop production due to sudden drops in temperature overnight and a lack of rainfall. However, the improved weather conditions in May means less than a 10% lower yield compared to last year is expected. Looking to the forecast, a total production of 124-125 million metric tonnes (MMT) is expected, with 77-79 MMT of wheat, 19 MMT of barley and 14-15 MMT of corn. Between 46-47 MMT will be exported based on the trend from previous years. Between 45-46 MMT will be exported based on the trend from previous years.

This season in Ukraine has seen a drier, warmer climate from late autumn until late spring, with temperatures reported on average at 2.7 degrees centigrade higher than normal. However, warmer conditions allowed diseases, insects and rodents to flourish resulting in a 30-35% loss of crops. Conversely, May has been the coldest recorded in the last 100 years, and despite heavy rain, it delayed harvesting of the winter crop. Minus overnight temperatures in western parts of Ukraine have negatively impacted spring production. The 2019/20 forecast for Ukraine production is 35 MMT of corn, 25.2 MMT of wheat, 15.5 MMT of sunflower seeds, 7 MMT of barley, 4 MMT of soya and 3 MMT of rapeseed. Export levels are expected to remain stable.

To stay up-to-date with the latest requirements in the industry, we have also evolved our offerings and capabilities through team training and industry certification upgrades. Discover the latest details from Russia and Ukraine in the following pages.

Read the 2020 Focus on Black Sea >

Watch the video to find out more about SGS operations across the Black Sea region, as well as our new services and infrastructure.

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About SGS

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.