Russian govt reduces quota for importing seeds from unfriendly countries to 15,000 tonnes in 2026

MOSCOW. Dec 12 (Interfax) - The Russian government has reduced the quota for importing agricultural seeds from unfriendly countries to 15,000 tonnes in 2026 from 18,300 tonnes in 2025, according to the resolution signed on December 12.

The quota will be 10,000 tonnes for seed potatoes next year (12,000 tonnes in 2025), 300 tonnes for seed waxy corn (600 tonnes), 500 tonnes for hybrid high-oleic sunflower seeds for sowing (500 tonnes), 1,900 tonnes for sugar beet seeds (2,700 tonnes), 300 tonnes for seed malting barley (500 tonnes), and 2,000 tonnes for hybrid rapeseed (2,000 tonnes).

The Agriculture Ministry has calculated the quotas based on the needs of Russian seed producers, taking into account the balance of domestic production, as well as imports and exports of seeds.

The quota for wheat, rye, barley, and soybeans, which are also included in the list, is zero in 2026, as in 2025.

As reported, the Russian government in June 2023 approved a list of agricultural seeds for which quantitative restrictions on imports from unfriendly countries may be imposed.