Audio agricultural news

Ikar postponed increasing the grain harvest forecast due to frosts in Russia affecting crops. The forecast until 2025 is 129.5 million tons of grain, with 125.85 million tons collected in 2024. Frosts have affected several regions, but the weather is set to improve from Tuesday.

The world's largest importer of corn and soybeans has reduced approval of GM seeds in China to double the planted area of GM corn this year. This is not related to the trade war, but will allow China to reduce imports and impact trade with the USA.

Issues with yields are caused by seed imperfections.

Experts from Rosselkhozcenter have started spring inspection of potato fields in the Leningrad region, searching for Colorado potato beetles hibernating at a depth of 20 to 50 cm. Different quantities of soil samples are taken for areas of different sizes, passing through sieves of different sizes. The Colorado potato beetle was not found.

Export of wheat and meslin from Russia is limited to a quota of 10.6 million tons due to low profitability. It is forecasted that the volume of shipments will be around 9 million tons. The decrease in the dollar value and the strengthening of the ruble are increasing costs.

In April, it is planned to export only 1.92 million tons, which is 2.5 times less than the previous year.

The government has introduced amendments to the agricultural development program, tightening the conditions for obtaining subsidies and grants.

The subsidy application process will be simplified, especially for agricultural insurance. Conditions for seed production and fish farming organizations will also change.

The main goal of the meeting with Consul Nguyen Mai Hyong is to help companies from Vietnam and the Chelyabinsk region understand the markets and increase the export of agricultural products. The export volume has significantly increased: Vietnam supplies vegetables, while the Chelyabinsk region supplies animal fats. Companies are willing to expand their product range and increase shipments.

Indian oil producers demand an increase in the difference in import tariffs between crude and refined oil to protect domestic processing. The import of refined oils is hurting the industry. It has been proposed to either raise tariffs on refined varieties or lower them on crude oil. This letter was addressed to Minister Pralhad Joshi, and the government's reaction is unknown.

The sugar plant "Kamenskiy" continues to produce sugar from syrup reserves after the end of the beet season. The plant uses a unique technology for storing syrup under strictly controlled parameters.

Sugar production is automated, with productivity increased to 8.5 thousand tons. The products are supplied throughout Russia and for export.

The company "Rostselmash" has laid off about 2000 employees due to a decrease in demand for agricultural machinery. Farmers have switched to a reduced work schedule because of the crisis. The factory is operational again for 5 days a week, but in a limited capacity. The situation in the grain sector also remains challenging.

In the Kurgan region, the sown areas under soybeans will be expanded by 50% and under rapeseed by 22%. The total sown land area will reach 1.4 million hectares. The plan is to increase the acreage under oilseeds by 2025, provide farms with machinery and seeds. Additional support in the amount of 230 million rubles is planned.

The USDA has not changed the forecast for wheat production in Russia - 83 million tons, with an expected export of 48 million tons. The forecast for corn has been reduced to 14.1 million tons, with an export of 4.2 million tons. In the EU, wheat production will be 2 million tons less. Ukraine has increased wheat exports to 14 million tons. Kazakhstan will harvest 16 million tons of wheat. The global forecast for wheat production has been increased to 798.28 million tons.

"TASS reported that the Moscow City Court is considering an appeal against the arrest of Vadim Moshkovich, the founder of the Rusagro holding. "Syngenta" has initiated a lawsuit for 999 million rubles. As part of this case, Moshkovich and Maxim Basov are also accused of causing damage to the company in the amount of 30 billion rubles."

Grain exports from Russia in 2025 have significantly increased: up to 698 thousand tons from the beginning of the year until April 22. Africa has become the largest buyer with 46% of shipments. New markets include Senegal, Togo, Nigeria, Mali, Tunisia, and Libya.

Quality control of grain during export is especially important for Morocco.

A group of milling companies from South Korea has won a tender to purchase 50,000 tons of wheat from the USA. Different types of wheat were purchased at prices ranging from $230 to $270 per ton FOB. ADM may have emerged as the winner. Delivery is expected by June.

The President of the Russian Grain Union confirmed the grain harvest forecast - 125 million tons. Winter crops are in good condition, but there are risks due to a cold front. Snow will help preserve crops at temperatures below -20°C. There is not enough snow to ensure the required soil moisture level. It is planned to plant winter crops on 20 million hectares, including grains on 19.2 million hectares.

The president of the Russian Grain Union stated that due to duties and quotas, the number of companies exporting grain from Russia has decreased from 200 to 15. This situation indicates a market conspiracy. The projected grain harvest this year is estimated at 125 million tons.

Duties are being reduced due to the strengthening of the ruble, making exports unprofitable.