World meat industry news

Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Sergey Levin and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkey Akif Ozkaldy held the 3rd meeting of the Executive Committee on Agriculture between Russia and Turkey via videoconference to discuss mutual trade in agricultural products and food, as well as veterinary and phytosanitary challenges.

Sergey Levin appreciates incremental development of agritrade between Russia and Turkey. According to him, the epidemic issues did not undermine bilateral trade. “In the first half of 2020, compared with last year's values, the agricultural turnover increased by almost 30% – up to $2.2 billion, whilst the Russian exports rose by 40%. Today, Turkey is the largest buyer of Russian wheat. So, we are going to keep the momentum gained to expand cooperation in the agricultural sector”, the Deputy Minister said.
Sergey Levin also reported of Russian wheat supplies growth to the Turkish market in the first half of this year. Compared to the same period last year, this figure increased by 40% – up to 3.2 million tons, in monetary terms it amounts to $685 million. Moreover, over this period, the export of Russian barley to Turkey increased 2.5 times – up to 221 thousand tons ($40 million), corn supplies augmented almost threefold – up to 463 thousand tons ($77 million).
The parties paid special attention to accessibility of the Turkish agrimarket. Russia is still interested in prompt start of livestock supplies, in particular, beef. In addition, Sergey Levin dwelled on advisability of harmonizing veterinary requirements for poultry and fish products, hatching eggs, cattle, as well as small cattle meat, including mutton assigned for Turkey. The Turkish party confirmed its intention to inspect Russian enterprises interested in exporting duck and goose meat in the nearest future.
Following the talks, the parties agreed to strengthen on bilateral agricultural cooperation.