December 10, 2009

Russian red meat output exceeds expectations

More than 6.7 million tonnes of red meat will be produced in Russia this year, while the level of the country's domestic consumption will amount to 9.14 million tonnes.

According to the Russian Minister of Agriculture Elena Skrynnik, as a result of the industry's growth and the adoption of effective measures of customs-tariff regulation, meat imports to Russia this year will decrease by 30% to 25% (2.5 million tonnes).

Skrynnik says that by 2012, the level of meat production in Russia will increase by 25%, or 1.5 million tonnes in slaughter weight, adding that this will contribute to the implementation of sectoral programmes of the national animal husbandry development, as well as economically significant regional programmes.

She notes that the country will continue to reduce quotas on meat imports during the next three years.

Total meat imports to Russia by 2012 will not exceed 18% which is two times lower compared to 2008.