August 18, 2009

Russia H1 red meat output up six percent on-year

Red meat production in Russia during the first six months of 2009 exceeded 4.1 million tonnes in live weight, up six percent from the same period in 2008, according to Minister of Agriculture Elena Skrynnik.

The production growth will allow Russia to reduce red meat import volumes from 32 percent to 25 percent, said Skrynnik.

Beef and pork production each increased eight percent, while poultry meat output surged 12 percent. Milk production slightly decreased during the first half of 2009, the minister said.

She said the current situation in Russia allows local farmers to increase their meat production, while the government will help provide money for 156 investment projects  in the construction of large livestock facilities at a total cost of RUB201.2 billion (US$6.2 billion).