Experts from three regions discussed the prospects of organic farming at the agricultural conference.

Colorado beetles can destroy potatoes in a matter of days, starting from eggs on the leaves and ending with caterpillars. You can combat them through manual picking, chemicals, or by using straw mulch. Insecticides are best applied according to specific time frames.

Bunge and Viterra have completed a merger, creating an agricultural giant worth over $30 billion. The CEO will be led by the Bunge team. The deal with Viterra's private shareholders, including Glencore, may be finalized on June 10-11. The deal may not happen due to confidentiality concerns.

Production of sugar in the 2025/26 season is expected to reach 6.2-6.8 million tons, thanks to the expansion of sugar beet cultivation areas. The cultivation area will increase to 1.173 million hectares, especially in the Central Chernozem region. Growth is expected to be between 1 to 4%, mainly in regions with completed crop processing. Yield will be average due to a warm winter, which may require additional plantings.

Monocalcium phosphate is added to animal feed to increase the levels of calcium and phosphorus.

The company spent 3.3 billion rubles on equipment upgrade, creating additional jobs.

The branch of JSC "Apatit" plans to invest 12 billion rubles and increase production by 2025.

Alapala has built 2 flour mills for Forafric Group in Morocco. The mills in Sanabil and Moulin de Khad-Soualem with capacities of 120 and 250 tons per day respectively will meet the demand for flour in the region. They are equipped with advanced technologies for high efficiency.

Export of wheat from Russia decreased to 1.9 million tons in February, the lowest level in the past five years.

Prices for wheat within the country have risen. Further decrease in export volumes is predicted due to low profitability and demand from exporters.

The potential wheat export for this season is estimated at 42 million tons, a decrease of 1.9 million tons compared to the previous season.

Wheat prices are rising in Russia, while exports remain stable. Tunisia is purchasing at $262 per ton, with reports suggesting a possible increase in exchange prices. The volume of wheat exports is decreasing due to unprofitability.

China is implementing drones for smart agriculture. Experienced pilots control fleets, treating crops with pesticides. In Bozhou, 3,000 drones boost production by 25% and assist in logistics. According to plans, by 2027, 10,000 drones will cover 4 million hectares of fields.

The transport of grain from Ukraine to Slovakia has increased, while it has decreased across the borders with Poland, Romania, and Hungary. As a result, the average daily volume of grain and cereals transportation has decreased by 7 wagons per day to 165.

A scientist has shown that bacteriophages can reduce the number of pathogens in milk. Phages are safe for humans and do not affect the external properties of products. Their use in sour cream and pasteurized milk successfully reduces the number of bacteria, but the problem lies in the high cost.

Iran offers Russia to use its territory for grain exports to other countries, becoming a long-term partner due to anti-Russian sanctions. Iran is ready to help, but Russia is not in a hurry to take advantage of this opportunity.

From March to December 2025, there will be a restriction on the export of wheat and meslin from the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol to countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union. The quota is set at 400,000 tons. The distribution of the quota will be carried out by the Government of Crimea.

The company ProZerno has announced that the prices for rye have increased from 8 to 15.1 thousand rubles per ton. Wholesale prices have risen by 70%, reaching 11,223 rubles per ton. The reduction in rye cultivation due to high costs and low profits is causing concern among specialists.

It is possible that rye will become a niche product due to insufficient demand and high production costs.

Disease in grapevine Flavescence dorée is widespread in the south of the Alps and the west of Switzerland, where phytoplasmas are transmitted by insects. The FLAVID 2 project investigated ways to control and spread the disease, which may help improve management and prevent further spread. FLAVID 3 will continue research aimed at protecting vineyards.