September 15, 2010

Russia may beat 2013 poultry, pork self-sufficiency target

Major meat importer Russia could become self-sufficient in poultry meat and pork before 2013, the target set by the government to reach this goal, according to top Russian meat producer Cherkizovo.

Russia, which has been developing domestic pig and poultry breeding to cut its dependency on imports worth hundreds of millions of dollars, has said it should stop poultry imports in three years.

Cherkizovo CEO Sergei Mikhailov noted that imports from the start of the year to July 1 were some 150,000 tonnes. According to official customs data, Russia imported 169,800 tonnes of poultry meat in January-July of this year, 75% less than in the same period of 2009, after banning imports from top supplier the US for more than six months.

Imports is set to continue, about 400,000-450,000 tonnes in the whole year of 2010, Mikhailov said, adding that if there is an increase of production by 200,000 tonnes this year and an equal volume, if not more, next year this will reduce imports to minimal volumes of 200,000-300,000 tonnes annually.

Meanwhile, Russia has also been heavily investing in pig breeding with the aim of becoming an exporter, although it has been importing meat under tariff quotas set until 2012.

By the end of December 2009, pig numbers had risen by 6.7% year-on-year to 17.3 million heads. Pork imports are at the quota level of some half a million tonnes, and those above the quota like offal, skin and lard of around 400,000 tonnes. Russia also import live pigs for 100,000-150,000 tonnes, Mikhailov said.

Russia has raised an import tariff on live pigs to 40% of the customs value from 5% to protect domestic pig breeders.

Output in Russia will rise by 150,000-180,000 tonnes annually this and next year, he said, adding that if such dynamics continue in the next two years, 2011-2012, imports may be cut to some 200,000 tonnes.

Mikhailov also urged the government to stimulate domestic consumption. He noted that the country consumes 60-62 kg of meat per capita a year.