Alla Barinova, Moscow Office, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board

Russia’s cow breed inventory has been shrinking for two decades, as the dairy sector has struggled with low profitability and a lack of investment since 1990.

In 2015, Russia imported approximately 32,000 head of breeding dairy cattle. Major suppliers were the Netherlands (9564 head), Germany (8476 head), US (3427 head), Denmark (3017 head), Hungary (2556 head), France (1794 head). In January/February, 2016, Russia imported only 2600 head of dairy breeding cattle from the EU and none from the US.

Improved dairy head genetics, more balanced feed and the use of new technologies on Russian farms reduced seasonability and as a result increased financial stability.

To support this positive trend, the Russian government has decided to maintain support of dairy farms to stimulate growth in production of basic agricultural products. It will provide 20 percent of the costs of modernising livestock buildings and farms.

Bord Bia, in collaboration with the Irish Embassy in Moscow, is developing a program to increase agricultural exports to Russia, which includes an itinerary visit to Ireland of Kazakh and Russian farmers later this summer, an Irish stand at the biggest agricultural expo in Moscow, Golden Autumn from 6-10th October, and a regional meeting with Tatarstan and Vologda dairy farms in May, 2016. This week BB participated in a meeting with the Governor of Vologda region, where the deputy Governor has confirmed interest in bringing Irish genetics to Vologda dairy farms, as Vologda is one of the main dairy producing areas in Russia. Next week, Bord Bia will meet with Kazakh dairy companies to identify interest in Irish exports.