Russian President Signs Domestic Food Security Doctrine
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service has issued a GAIN Report stating that on January 30, 2010, the Russian President signed the Food Security Doctrine, a framework document that outlines Russia's agricultural production and policy goals.
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(FAS notes that the legal status of the Doctrine does not give it legislative power. It may only be considered as agreed upon goals for agricultural production and policy.)
Doctrine Provides for Future Legislation that Could Restrict Trade
In reference to foreign trade, the Doctrine states that it may be necessary to revise tariff measures to "rationalize the ratio" of imports and exports. It also justifies corrective action when foreign governments dump or use export subsidies to access the Russian market.
FAS notes that the Doctrine does not impose any additional incentives or deterrents for international trade; however, it provides a political blessing and cover for the introduction of future legislation that might restrict trade through tariffs, quotas, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
Russian Production Could Create Opportunity for U.S. Agricultural Inputs
In accordance with the Doctrine, Russia established the following minimum production targets as the share of domestic production in the total supply of commodities: 95% in grain and potatoes; 90% in milk and dairy products; 85% in meat and meat products; and 80% in sugar, vegetable oil, and fish products.
The Doctrine does not address funding or provide any concrete government measures for reaching its targets; however, FAS states that it will be a vehicle which could lead to opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports.
For example, as Russia bolsters its domestic agricultural production, it may attempt to close the door on traditional U.S. exports, but in the process it will create new opportunities for agricultural inputs such as feeds, seeds and genetics.
FAS GAIN report (RS1008, dated 02/11/10) available at http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Food%20Security%20Doctrine%20Adopted%20_Moscow_Russian%20Federation_2-11-2010.pdf