Since the early 2000s, the Russian agro-industrial progressed from complete dependence on imports to becoming self-sufficient and eventually one of the world's leading exporters of agro-industrial products. Since 2000, vegetable oil production in Russia has increased 7 times, while agricultural production at comparable prices has almost doubled.

The plenary session “Key results and achievements of agriculture” was held as part of the agenda at the Rossiya exhibition forum at VDNKh. The event was attended by Mr. Dmitry Patrushev, the Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, as well as representatives of the largest enterprises of the domestic agro-industrial sector.

Mr. Dmitry Patrushev,
the Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation

“The Food Security Doctrine's major indicators have either been met or we are on track to meet the benchmarks. For example: in 2000, the Russian agro-industrial complex was supported with only 18 billion rubles, in 2018 the scope of this support amounted to 280 billion rubles, and for 2024, 558 billion rubles are planned. Russia's position evolved substantially in overseas markets: since 2000, export revenues have increased 30 times, $1.4 billion to $45 billion.”

Among the key tasks of the domestic agro-industrial complex, the Minister emphasized the advancement of biotechnology, including the manufacturing of enzymes, vitamins, and amino acids. Within the framework of the Russian Government's initiative called Agrarian Science, it is planned to launch at least three agro-biotechnological parks, each with its particular specialization.

Mr. Vladislav Romantsev, Director for Strategic Development at EFKO, reported on the prospects of domestic biotech.

In today's world, biotechnology is involved in the entire food chain and is essential for people's lives: no biotech disables making cheese, yoghurt, or baking bread.

The Soviet Union had a powerful biotechnology industry, but in the 1990s we almost completely lost technological sovereignty in this field, and its recovery can be regarded as one of the most important aspects of food security.

Mr. Vladislav Romantsev,
Director for Strategic Development at EFKO

“The success of biotech is only possible in close cooperation between science, business, and government. Russia's first agro-biotechnological park is being created with the active participation of the Belgorod regional government. The project infrastructure will enable the scalability of the whole technical process, from lab research to pilot production.

What do we believe in and what developments are we making? First, this is regenerative agriculture. It's about new food made with precision fermentation. Sweet protein, and for this regard we think we have one of the best teams worldwide working for us. This is cellular nutrition for healthy longevity. All these substances are natural. It is all around us. However, technological, or economic challenges prevent us from accessing them. Our biotech is aimed to make it all appear in our routine, on our tables. But not in the form of some pills, but rather as part of delicious and nutritious food products.”

Vyacheslav Lukomets,
Deputy Director of the National Grain Center named after P.P. Lukyanenko

“One of the most significant points is that we have begun to collaborate not just inside industry unions, but also as the whole companies. For example, the communication is chained across EFKO, Bioton, Ruseed, and All-Russian Research Institute of Oilseed Crops named after V. S. Pustovoyt. All have heard one another. EFKO told what kinds of products are wanted. Bioton produced these products. Ruseed provided seeds for that. Research Institute of Oilseed Crops provided the necessary genetics base. This is a successful example of a closed cycle that combines production science and business principles.”