December 20, 2007

Russia to export 13 million tonnes of grain by February 1

Russia will export 12.5 million to 13 million tonnes of grain harvested this year by February 1 2008 and then grain export limits will be imposed by the government, Agriculture Minister Alexey Gordeyev said Wednesday in Moscow, as quoted by the agriculture ministry's press service.

"We have calculated that Russia can export 12.5 million to 13 million tonnes of grain without disturbing the balance of grain production and consumption in the country, and that amount will be exported by February 1. That's why we are being forced to impose limitations on the export of grain," Gordeyev said.

Gordeyev also said if the 2008 grain harvest forecast, to be made in April, would ensure sufficient amounts of grain on the domestic market, all export limitations would be removed.

The planted winter grains area for Russia's 2008 harvest is 2 million hectares or 15 percent more than a year ago, Gordeyev said.