Russia establishes body to protect grain producers

The National Union of Grain Producers, whose objective is to facilitate and enhance grain production, has held its first congress In Moscow.

The president elected for the union is Pavel Skurikhin.

It is the first time an entity to protect the interests of grain producers has been established in Russia, Russian Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik said. The main goals and objectives of the newly established national union are to create economically favourable conditions for grain production and design a mechanism aimed to improve its quality.

The union is to facilitate the protection of its members' interests in national and municipal authorities, public and international organisations. Agrarians will have to only manufacture products compliant with the quality standards that should consequently be in demand with consumers. Grain production needs to be based on long-term contracts with grain buyers, the minister said.

The key task the union is facing is to raise grain exports. The supply volume is estimated at US$4 billion. Over the past 5 years, grain exports have nearly doubled, totalling 23 million tonnes, said Skrynnik. In the next 7-8 years, Russia is able to take grain production to 140-150 million tonnes, she estimated.