Rostov region plans to increase the share of domestic seeds in the 2025 planting season for corn and sunflower.

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.

In the Rostov region, around 24% of winter crops did not sprout or are in poor condition due to plant development lagging behind. In some areas, snow did not form, which may have a negative impact on the harvest. Currently, field fertilization and feeding are being carried out.

In 2025, the sowing of winter crops in the Chelyabinsk region was assessed as satisfactory. Some areas froze due to the mild winter. Monitoring continues in regions with limited areas. The conditions worsened due to the decrease in snow cover and the influence of the climate.

Caring for fruit trees is an important part of getting a good harvest. Applying white paint to the trunks in spring protects against harmful insects, frost, and prevents premature bud opening. Covering the trunks of the trees should be done in dry weather, after disinfection and inspection of the trunks and branches.

Cleaning of the soybean fields in Brazil as of February 23 has reached 36.4% of the plan. Abundant rainfall has aided the process, but the southern part of the country is suffering from drought.

In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, a decrease in the productivity of oilseed soybeans by up to 40% is expected.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has announced that Tunisia is interested in increasing its imports of Russian grain. An intergovernmental commission will monitor the processes and provide support. Tunisia is prepared to sign new contracts for grain due to the successful performance of agricultural enterprises and favorable climatic conditions in Russia.

At the meeting in the Rostov region, plans were discussed to increase the use of domestic corn and sunflower seeds in 2025. The goal is to achieve a share of 68% and 57% respectively. It is also planned to increase the area of seed crops. In 2024, the share of domestic seeds was 62% and 43% respectively.

"SovEcon" has lowered the forecast for wheat exports from Russia for the 2024/25 season to 42.2 million tonnes. The forecast for grain exports for the next season has been increased to 38.9 million tonnes. Experts attribute the revision to low shipments and traders' lack of urgency in the quota conditions.

Wheat prices are rising due to low exports, reaching $248 per tonne.

Analysts at SovEcon have reduced their forecast for Russian wheat exports for the current season to 42.2 million tonnes due to low profitability for exporters. For the next season, they expect export growth to reach 38.9 million tonnes. The wheat export quota may not have been fully utilized as traders aim to improve margins. SovEcon has warned of a slowdown in export pace due to limited supply, a strong ruble, and negative margins.

Russia increased its exports of mineral products and metals in 2024, while the export of agricultural products decreased. The total export amounted to 433.9 billion dollars, with imports at 283 billion. Asia became Russia's main partner. The export of agricultural products remained at the same level as in 2023, despite the instability of global prices.