Russian oilseeds output seen up 7.6%

The USDA Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) announced on Monday (April 12) that Russia's production of the main oilseeds crops in 2010 is forecast at 8.5 million tonnes, up 7.6%, assuming normal weather conditions.

Soy production is forecast at 970,000 tonnes, 3% higher than last year; rapeseed production is forecast at 760,000 tonnes, a 14% increase from the weather affected crop in 2009, according to FAS.

Russia's oilseeds exports will remain low due to export tariffs and strong domestic demand for oilseeds.

In 2010, Russia will continue to increase soy imports, according to FAS. The agency forecasted soy imports at 980,000 tonnes. Domestic crush of oilseeds is forecast to reach 8.8 million tonnes; including 1.9 million tonnes of soy and 700,000 tonnes of rapeseed.