Agriculture in Russia - statistics & facts
As the largest country by landmass worldwide, Russia is in possession of a vast area for agricultural activity. Given the climate characteristics of the region, grain and livestock farming are broadly developed, which is reflected in the country’s high self-sufficiency levels for such products. Wheat is the most-exported agricultural commodity of the country, and Russia ranks fourth by wheat production worldwide.
Russia's strong agricultural sector continues to greatly contribute to the country's economy, making it one of the leading producers and exporters of various food commodities. However, due to a smaller crop, cereal exports are expected to decline in the marketing year 2024/25.
Russia's role in the global wheat trade
Russia is the world's leading wheat exporter. In the crop year 2023/24, the country was estimated to have exported over 50 million metric tons of wheat. The global dependence on Russian grains has been highlighted in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. The war and subsequent supply chain issues have threatened wheat supplies to other countries. While most European Union (EU) countries continue to import Russian agri-foods, the organization imposed higher tariffs on these products from July 1, 2024.Russia's livestock sector
Despite a decline in cattle inventory in recent years, a positive development has been observed in meat production, with poultry and pork accounting for the largest volume. In 2023, around 12 million metric tons of meat were produced in Russia. Furthermore, the country sees a continuous increase in milk production, which reached nearly 34 million metric tons in 2023.Major agricultural holdings in Russia
Miratorg Agribusiness Holding, a privately held company based in Moscow which focused on meat production, was the second-largest agricultural company by revenue and the largest by farmland ownership in Russia. Another key market player is Cherkizovo Group, a younger company, which has become the country's second major pork and the largest poultry producer within 15 years.Russia's strong agricultural sector continues to greatly contribute to the country's economy, making it one of the leading producers and exporters of various food commodities. However, due to a smaller crop, cereal exports are expected to decline in the marketing year 2024/25.
