World meat industry news

372.7 billion rubles will be allocated to support the agricultural sector this year. This was stated by the Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev at the final meeting of the Collegium of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia. Last year, about 425 billion rubles were allocated for state support of the agro-industrial complex. For the first time, support measures for household plots became available, short soft loans for the purchase of raw materials for small farms, new grants appeared, the head of the department said.

In addition to systemic measures of state support for the industry in connection with new challenges, the necessary decisions were made last year on additional financing - about 80 billion rubles. was additionally directed to preferential lending to farmers and backbone enterprises, Patrushev recalled. 20 billion rubles were allocated for direct support of grain producers, 2.35 billion rubles. received by the baking industry.

In addition to the production of agricultural products, measures for the development of rural areas continued last year - more than 51 billion rubles were allocated to the corresponding state program, the minister cited the data. “Last year, the state program “Earth” appeared - its funding in 2022 amounted to almost 24 billion rubles,” the head of the Ministry of Agriculture added.

This year, all the main mechanisms for supporting farmers have been preserved, and a number of innovations have been introduced. In particular, a subsidy to cattle producers per kilogram of young animals sold, and the most efficient milk producers, when receiving subsidies, can count on a multiplying coefficient. As part of the reimbursement of part of the capital expenditures incurred, there was a compensation for the costs of equipment for labeling dairy products and the construction of facilities for the production of feed for aquaculture. As part of concessional lending, investment loans are now available for the construction and modernization of facilities for the production of medical nutrition. In addition, the loan term for enterprises producing starters and components for baby food has been extended. Self-employed personal subsidiary farms can also receive preferential loans.

Now farmers are finishing spring sowing, and already this month winter crops will be harvested in some regions. According to the forecasts of the Ministry of Agriculture, the grain harvest this year will be at least 123 million tons, including 78 million tons of wheat. Production of oilseeds is expected at the level of 26 million tons, sugar beet - more than 41 million tons.

Dmitry Patrushev, Minister of Agriculture:

Of course, last year made adjustments to the established scenarios of our work, however, in general, the agro-industrial complex continued to function normally. Farmers showed the highest responsibility even in difficult situations. In addition, the industry has accumulated a significant margin of safety due to the improvement of production processes, the introduction of new digitalization technologies.

The agricultural sector, according to Patrushev, continues to develop in all directions. Production indicators in animal husbandry, processing and the fishery complex in the first quarter of this year are higher than in the same period in 2022. Our country is fully provided with grain, vegetable oil, meat, sugar, has almost reached self-sufficiency in vegetables and potatoes, and self-sufficiency in milk has grown by almost 1.5% over the past year, Patrushev said.

Active exports of agricultural products also continue, including deliveries to friendly countries have increased and now account for 87% of the total exports. In particular, shipments to China, Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh, Algeria, and Pakistan have been significantly increased. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who opened the meeting of the Board, noted that the demand for Russian agricultural products is growing, not only for raw materials, but also for highly processed goods. At the end of last year, deliveries increased by 12% and in volume terms exceeded 70 million tons. In monetary terms, exports of agricultural products reached $41.6 billion, while imports were at the level of $35.7 billion, which allowed Russia to maintain its status as a net exporter, drew the attention of Patrushev.

In order to increase export volumes, it is necessary to develop logistics, including in new territories. Last year, sea transportation was organized through the port of Berdyansk, this year the newly launched port of Mariupol provides new opportunities, the first shipment of grain was made there on May 5, Patrushev said. Quotas for duty-free export of agricultural products are provided for local farmers this year, he added. “The most important task for the future is the integration of new regions into our state programs so that people get systematic access to state support through the Ministry of Agriculture,” Patrushev said, adding that the relevant regulatory framework will be formed by the end of 2023 and will come into force in 2024.