FARMERS - DIFFERENT REACTIONS TO WHEAT PURCHASE PRICE

OSIJEK, July 6 (Hina) - A union of farmers' associations from the Slavonia and Baranja regions, the ZUSSB, has refused a purchase price for wheat of one kuna per kilogram plus purchase expenses to be paid by the buyer, which has recently been proposed by buyers and the milling and baking industry. The union has said it will not sign any agreement under such conditions. Talking to reporters in the eastern town of Osijek on Friday, ZUSSB president Antun Laslo said he "will not allow" signing such an agreement on the union's behalf against members' wishes. He believes there will be farmers who will be forced to sell wheat at the aforementioned price due to a difficult economic situation. A written request will be forwarded to Prime Minister Ivica Racan for the replacement of Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bozidar Pankretic, who has done nothing for the farmers' benefit but caused them great damage by setting a protective price for wheat at 0.7 kuna per kilo, according to Laslo. He maintains the real purchase price is 1.2 kuna per kilo but that in the current circumstances it cannot be achieved. He said 1.1 kuna would be more promising than the offered price. Due to the current situation, some manufacturers have consented to the offered wheat purchase price and will sign agreements next week. Some farmers' associations are preparing to protest. (hina) ha sb