Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday 5 July 2016 that his country is establishing itself as one of the world’s leading exporters of agricultural products.

 

“Russia is successfully regaining the status of a major supplier on the global food market,” Mr Medvedev said, according to a report from Russian news outlet RT.com. Mr Medvedev said it was down to the efforts of the government, industry and associations for this increase in food export levels.

 

The Russian government has poured significant funds into subsidies for the agricultural sector, in a reaction against Western-imposed food sanctions. Some $3.3 billion has been allocated by the state for the agricultural development.

 

Russia is expected to become the world’s largest wheat exporter in 2016, outpacing both Canada and the United States. Export levels are projected to set a record 23.5 million tons. 

 

Agriculture Minister Aleksandr Tkachev suggested that agriculture may soon become Russia’s second biggest export, behind energy. 

 

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Image: Dennis Behm via Flickr