Groats, Stern - Incubator

The grain harvest forecast for 2024 is around 125 million tons, but there is a possibility of a decrease due to risks. Winter crops require high temperatures, and ice crust on the fields can damage plants.

Russia's grain exports have decreased to 47-48 million tons due to higher domestic prices and low reserves.

In 2024, Tajikistan increased its imports of food: wheat, rice, dairy products, and meat due to the growth of domestic production. The import of wheat increased by 41 thousand tons to 1.1 million tons. The country's demand for wheat is over 2 million tons, of which 1 million tons is covered by domestic production. Tajikistan is the second largest importer of Kazakh wheat, increasing its purchases to 1.14 million tons.

In 1944, Mexico imported 60% of its wheat. Norman Borlaug created a wheat improvement program, increasing crop yields by 6 times.

Heritable Agriculture uses AI to create plants with desired traits. Other companies also enhance crop yields through genetics.

The antimonopoly authority has requested data on the production and sales of mayonnaise, oil, margarine, and salt. Companies with a dominant position in the market must comply with competition laws, including a ban on inflated prices. In case of violations, response measures may be applied.

The grain agency of Tunisia has successfully held a tender to purchase 100,000 tons of soft and hard wheat of various origins.

Buildcom and Cargill have won the tender for the purchase of soft wheat, while Viterra, Casillo, and Amber have won for the purchase of hard wheat.

The deliveries will be made from March 1st to April 5th, 2025.

The President of Mexico has proposed a constitutional reform to ban the cultivation of GMO corn in order to protect this symbol of national identity. This decision has sparked controversy with the U.S. due to the ban on GMO corn.

In January 2025, NPP "Atameken", Carlsberg Kazakhstan, and the Union of Organic Producers of Kazakhstan signed a cooperation agreement. It is aimed at developing organic agriculture, increasing competitiveness, and promoting environmental sustainability. Farmers are provided with new opportunities, including simplified certification, implementation of clean technologies, and consultations with experts.

Starting from February 1, sunflower oil will increase from 1719 rubles to 17786 rubles per ton. The duty on meal will decrease by 882.9 rubles to 3888 rubles. Dmitry Ryalko, the Director of the Institute for Agrarian Market Conjuncture, warns about possible industry problems due to the decrease in oil prices and the increase in seed prices. Uncertainty in the global market also affects the situation.

Petunia seeds do not require stratification, but for older ones you can perform it: place them on a damp napkin, cover the container, and put it in the refrigerator for a week. This will help improve germination. Distribute new seeds on the soil, not burying them, and keep them moist.

The Ministry of Agriculture is creating an educational system for the rural sector: from agricultural classes to higher educational institutions. The head of the department, Oksana Loot, plans to fill the labor shortage. Mr. Kashin notes problems with living conditions in rural areas and improvements. It is important to develop rural areas and ensure their funding.

In the Ulyanovsk region, the volume of agricultural exports increased by 29% to $20 million. The main products include grain, flour, and oil. The exports are sent to 12 countries as part of the "International Cooperation and Export" project, with a focus on the trade and logistics route through the Middle Volga. The governor of the region emphasized the importance of supporting companies and retraining exporters.

In 2024, Azerbaijan bought 85,286 tons of corn for $24.064 million. This is 16.7% more (12,224 tons) and 15.5% more expensive ($3.239 million) than in 2023.

The expenses on corn accounted for only 0.1% of the total import costs. [Source: Report]