May 21, 2009
Russia looks to strengthen position in world grain market
Russia aims to strengthen its position in the world grain market and will seek support from other countries, according to Russia's First Vice Premier Victor Zubkov.
Ministers of Agriculture from 65 countries will gather in St. Petersburg on July 6- for the World Grain Forum, and it is likely that the Black Sea countries will set up some sort of grain union.
In recent years, Russia has turned itself from a large grain consumer to a supplier. Investing interests grew as Russia's agricultural sector developed healthily.
Last year, Russia's grain harvest posted a record high, and Russian Grain Union President Arkady Zlochevsky said grain exports are the highest in Russia's modern history.
Zubkov said Russia will also expand grain supplies to the Asia-Pacific region.
