The expansion can be attributed primarily to the increase in the yield of cereals. In recent years the share of crop production in total agricultural production has increased. Compared to the previous year, the area of arable land declined by about 2 thousand hectares. The set-aside area was 227 thousand hectares. Compared to the previous year, this is an increase by 12 thousand hectares, owing to the unfavourable weather conditions.
Grain crops dominate the cropping structure.
Compared either to the previous year, or to the average of the years 1991-1995, their relative importance has increased. Unfortunately, the abundant amount of rainfall at harvest time had an adverse effect on the quality of the wheat resulting in low prices. Both the area and the yield of industrial plants have decreased. Sugar-beet was produced on 98 thousand hectares in 1997. Despite large stocks and previous low prices the area of potatoes did not change significantly.