Russia's booming dairy industry has marked another milestone as the export of milk products reached 210,000 tons by the end of 2024. According to the Russian Ministry of Agriculture (Minzdrav), this increase reflects not just the growing demand for dairy products from Russia, but also the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at supporting the agriculture sector.
Oksana Lut, head of Minzdrav, noted the growth during her recent visit to the Republic of Altai, coinciding with her participation in the second Siberian Dairy Forum. During her presentation, she highlighted plans to continue ramping up dairy product exports, reinforcing the government's commitment to advancing this sector.
"The volume of dairy product exports is also planned to be increased. Last year, supplies from Russia grew to 210,000 tons," said Lut, as reported by TASS.
Interestingly, the Ministry also outlined ambitious goals for dairy production. By 2030, the country aims to boost milk production to 38.5 million tons, up from the 34 million tons produced at the end of 2024. A significant portion of this production, estimated at 12%, originates from the Siberian Federal District.
To facilitate this growth, the government has introduced various support measures for milk producers. Among them are preferential loans available for up to 15 years. For entities planning to expand their livestock to one thousand cows or more, financial incentives include reimbursement of part of the costs associated with the purchase of machinery and equipment.
The Ministry reiterated, "For farms planning to expand to one thousand or more heads, provisions are made for the reimbursement of part of the expenditures on purchasing equipment and machinery." This support is pivotal for many producers, aiding them to overcome economic challenges and invest back in their operations.
The increased milk production not only solidifies Russia's position as a competitive player on the global dairy stage but also serves local markets and meets domestic needs. The Ministry of Agriculture's strategic vision appears to be yielding results, with production having grown by 200,000 tons just this year alone.
With clear objectives and supportive frameworks, the Russian dairy sector is likely to flourish, positioning itself strongly within the international markets. The discussion at the second Siberian Dairy Forum focused on collaboration between producers and the government, aiming at sustainable practices and driving innovation within the agricultural sector.
Indeed, the combination of increased production, extensive support systems, and thorough planning is setting the stage for a revitalized dairy industry. Experts predict continued growth leading up to 2030, creating more opportunities for local farmers and ensuring the sustainability of dairy practices.
Overall, the developments within this sector demonstrate Russia's capabilities and ambitions to expand its dairy products on the world stage, enhancing its global economic integration and agricultural self-sufficiency as it strives to meet both international demand and domestic interests.