July 26, 2012

Russia, Jordan may collaborate on grain venture

A grain - growing venture between Russia and Jordan may be established in Russia's southern regions, according to information posted by Russia's Agriculture Ministry on its website on Wednesday (July 25).

The joint venture proposal was announced at a meeting between Russian Agriculture Minister Nikolai Fyodorov and Jordan's Ambassador to Russia Ahmad Sataan Al Hassan on Wednesday (July 25).

In the agricultural year 2011-12, Jordan accounted for 2% of Russia's wheat exports and almost 4% of barley exports. In total, Russia exported 27.15 million tonnes of grain, including 21.26 million tonnes of wheat and 3.56 million tonnes of barley that year.

During the meeting, the Jordanian side expressed its willingness to increase deliveries of fruits, olive oil and vegetables, its main exports to Russia.

"As to the quality of agricultural products from Jordan, the Russian phytosanitary services have no problems," Fyodorov said.

Jordanian exports to Russia almost doubled last year to US$18.7 million, while Russia's exports to Jordan topped US$70 million.