< br />
MOSCOW, January 12 European business is ready to localize seed production in the Russian Federation according to new rules and, in general, to continue interaction with Russia, but Western politicians are preventing it, said the interview with Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko.
In June, Abramchenko said in an interview that Russian authorities met with European businesses, discussed with them the possibility of closing the Russian market to foreign seed producers and explained the rules for localizing such production in the Russian Federation.
«The document has been released, it stipulates that even Western technologies, existing, tested, with guaranteed quality, should be implemented on Russian soil… European I had the business, they were ready. What was important for them was transparent and sustainable regulation,” she answered the question at what stage the negotiations are now.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that, despite the geopolitical situation, “business lives by different laws.” “The President has repeatedly emphasized that we continue contacts with Western investors, with those who want to build honest, mutually beneficial relations. But Western political forces, of course, are playing against themselves and their own business,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.
She also noted the growth of domestic seed production — by 2030, the share of Russian products in this sector for main crops should reach 75%, she recalled. «This figure has already been achieved for wheat — both spring and winter; for rice in general, 95%. The situation is worst with potatoes and sugar beets. For potatoes this year, domestic seeds were 9%, for sugar beets — 2.5%» , Abramchenko noted.
At the same time, she emphasized that, according to the forecast, the share of domestic sugar beet and potato seeds will reach 50% by 2030. The Deputy Prime Minister added that in this matter Russia is of the opinion of complete independence from imports.
«It is much calmer and more comfortable when you have your own seeds, your own fertilizers, enough arable land and your own equipment. If all the means of production are available, the food security of your country is ensured. This is a key point,» she concluded.