Russia raises 2024 import quota for sugar beet seeds from unfriendly countries to 2,900 tonnes

MOSCOW. Nov 2 (Interfax) - This year's import quota for sugar beet seeds from unfriendly countries has been raised 900 tonnes, according to a government resolution signed on November 1, 2024 and published on the official website of legal information.

Taking into account the previously set amount of 2,000 tonnes, the import quota has thus risen to 2,900 tonnes. The overall quota, which includes the seeds of potatoes, barley, rapeseed and sunflower at 33,100 tonnes, has risen to 34,000 tonnes.

The decision was made at the initiative of the Agriculture Ministry based on the needs of agricultural producers, the ministry said. "Taking into account domestically bred seeds, this will enable the sowing campaign to proceed as planned, and lay the foundation for the 2025 harvest," it said.

As reported, in June 2023 the Russian government approved the list of agricultural crop seeds for which quantitative limits on imports from unfriendly countries can be introduced. The list includes the seeds of potatoes, wheat, rye, barley, corn, soy beans, rapeseed, sunflower and sugar beet. The quota system aims to develop domestic seed production and reduce dependence on foreign varieties and hybrids.

Quotas on seed imports in combination with comprehensive support for production and distribution of Russian seed material will make it possible to raise the domestic share of sugar beet seeds to 8% this year, compared to 2.5% in 2023, the ministry said.

The ministry previously said that quotas will also be set for 2025. Their size will be determined after the harvesting campaign concludes.