Import - Incubator

At the beginning of 2025, the transportation of grain by Russian Railways (RZD) wagons decreased by 28.7% to 3.7 million tons. However, domestic shipments within the country increased by 25.2% due to a successful harvest in Siberia and the Urals.

The total freight turnover on the RZD network also decreased by 5.6%, amounting to 180 million tons in the first two months of 2025.

Rapeseed production in Russia is rapidly growing: the sown area and yield have increased thanks to intensive technologies. This crop has become the main oilseed due to high demand on the world market.

The use of domestic seeds and variety renewal plays an important role. It is expected that rapeseed production will continue to grow.

The Minister of Agriculture emphasized the role of small agribusiness in ensuring food security. The plan for 2025 includes maintaining grants and launching new support programs, such as "Agro-motivator". It is also planned to support organic production and increase the export of niche crops to China. Ensuring phytosanitary safety of products is important.

In 2024, Russia produced 2.1 million tons of sausages and meat products - which is 2.1% more than last year. The Central District leads with 48.3% of the production. Boiled sausage is the most popular category, showing a growth of 2.1%. Smoked and fried sausages are also on trend. Export could increase by 16%.

By October 2024, Russia increased the export of whey by 6% to $19 million. The main buyers are Kazakhstan (33%), Belarus (29%), and China (13%). By 2030, the shipment volume could grow to 45,000 tons.

Russia has entered the top 30 exporters of whey, with the leaders being the USA, Germany, and France.

President of Russia Putin has approved a law on stricter control over the import of agricultural products. Now the control will be carried out prior to shipment to the country. This will help reduce the risk of importing harmful plants, simplify import procedures, reduce costs, and ensure safe transportation of goods between countries.

The Ministry of Agriculture proposes to expand the list of agricultural crops, the tax on seeds of which will be reduced to 10%. It is planned to add wheat, potatoes, vegetables to the list, without replacing the crops already included in it. The goal is to support breeding and reduce seed imports.

From 08.08.2024 to 31.12.2029, the VAT rate will be reduced.

The ban on the import of agricultural products from Western countries, introduced in 2014, has been extended until the end of 2026 by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation. This decision, characterized as bold and risky, has justified itself by contributing to the development of domestic agriculture. The Russian agro-industrial complex has shown significant success and the country has become self-sufficient.

Russia's export of agricultural products remains stable, with the main markets being the EAEU, Turkey, Iran, Brazil, China, Egypt, and India. As Russia continues to develop, it is also looking towards growth in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Arab countries.

Success in the global grain market is attributed to the high quality of produce, good yields, and government support. Subsidies for the transportation of products have been extended until 2024.

Over the past 20 years, there has been noticeable growth in agriculture production in Russia, which has allowed the country to become self-sufficient and increase the export of agricultural products. Large companies successfully compete in the global market, especially in the direction of grain and oilseeds. Russian agricultural exports are stable, cooperation with other countries is actively developing, and participation in festivals and fairs contributes to increased sales.

By 2024, honey production in Russia will reach 64,000 tons, the level of the previous year. Honey consumption will increase by 3-5% per year, and exports will grow. Beekeeping in personal subsidiary plots is profitable, paying off within 1-2 seasons. Bashkortostan is a leader with 5,900 tons.

The transfer of agricultural crops in the regions of Russia affected by frost is coming to an end. It is expected to maintain the production of grains at a level of not less than 132 million tons, of which 85 million tons are wheat. Plans for the global market include supplying up to 70 million tons of grain, emphasizing the importance of domestic food security.