The Ministry of Agriculture supports the idea of direct grain sales for export, bypassing traders and intermediaries from third countries.

The idea of developing direct grain sales for export, bypassing traders and intermediaries from third countries, was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia in response to the initiative put forward by members of the Grain Exporters Union. According to information published on the Interfax website, with reference to the union, this idea was approved at a meeting on the development of grain exports held jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture.

“The Ministry of Agriculture of Russia supported the idea of the union members to develop direct grain sales for export, bypassing traders and intermediaries from third countries. In particular, Russian exporters have undertaken not to provide Russian grain to foreign tender winners under the principle that 'Russian grain should only be supplied to consumers by Russian exporters',” the statement said.

The union considers it inexpedient to involve foreign traders and intermediaries in the supply of Russian grain to international customers. “It is necessary to get rid of the vicious practice of recent months, caused by dumping and the activity of some 'new' exporters,” the union's message adds.

It is also reported that the meeting participants have come to the conclusion about the feasibility of developing self-regulation in the trade and export of grain and legumes. “For this reason, the Grain Exporters Union will resume work on creating a self-regulating body in the grain market, taking into account the positive experience of creating a sectoral self-regulatory association in viticulture and winemaking,” the union's message notes.