March 16, 2009

Russian pork production is expected to increase 4 percent in 2009 to 2.1 million tonnes, according to a USDA report.

The report said the increase in pork production is due to large investments in swine production during 2007-08 and higher reproductive yields.

According to the report, beef production in Russia is expected to fall 3 percent in 2009 to 1.3 million tonnes as beef output suffers from a trend of reproductive inefficiency and few profits that has turned many potential investors away.

The report said beef prices have spiked in the country due to a lack of supply brought on by a 13-year decline in beef output, adding that the Russian government hopes lower import duties and more imports from Latin America will stabilise supply.