The index of agricultural production decreased in the 1st quarter of 2025, with grain reserves reduced by 26.2% - according to the report by Rosstat.

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.

Bunge Global SA is leasing its North American corn and flour processing business to Grain Craft company. The deal is aimed at optimizing the portfolio and strengthening Bunge's positions in key sectors. The transfer of production assets will take place in several cities in the US and Mexico.

According to the USDA, 17 out of 18 leading states in the US have already started planting corn, with 12% of the planned area sown.

Winter wheat has been harvested from 15%, spring wheat has been planted on 17% of the planned area, with a good crop condition.