Russia ups meat production despite recession

The Russian meat industry has increased its production volumes amid the global recession.

Poultry production in 2009 increased 318,000 tonnes, while red meat output grew by 550,000 tonnes.

The continued growth was largely attributed to the government's huge financial support and a strong US dollar. The restriction of meat imports into Russia and the subsidising of loans also attracted investors into the Russian meat industry.

Most of the provided funds were invested in the further development of the pork and poultry industries which have a short production cycle of 40 days and half a year respectively. However, the situation in the Russian cattle industry still leaves much to be desired, despite great efforts of the government.

Some local meat processors still prefer to use cheap meat imports instead of low quality domestic meat due to high production costs.