MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier it was reported that due to several factors, including the rise in the US dollar, US agricultural products are becoming too expensive and uncompetitive, while, Russian farmers are seizing leading positions in the market.
"Russia is justly reclaiming the status as the largest exporter of grain, first and foremost wheat. Over the past 10 years, we have increased production by a quarter, and as a result we have around 30 million tonnes to export, with 22 million being wheat," Tkachev told Rossiya 1 television.
Earlier, the minister said that Russia will be able to independently provide itself with foodstuffs by 2020 but will require additional financing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier in the day during his state of the nation address that the Russian market should be fully independent of imported foodstuffs by 2020.
