by PressThe EAEU has developed a new strategy to reduce dependence on imported seeds
EAEU wants to increase seed production
The Eurasian Economic Union has adopted a new development strategy for the agricultural industry. One of the key steps in it will be to reduce the purchase of crop seeds and planting material on foreign markets. Such a goal is due to the desire of the EAEU to reduce the dependence of the sector on imports, and until 2025 various measures will be implemented to achieve this goal.
In connection with the new strategy, a list of agricultural crops was compiled, the seeds of which the Union most often buys from other countries. This list includes oilseeds, vegetables, grains, sugar beets, berries and herbs.
According to the EAEC, last year the territory of countries that are members of the economic community, was imported by other states of the seeds of vegetables totaling 140 million dollars. Planting material of fruit and berry crops was imported for more than $64 million. About 90% of sugar beet seeds that are grown in the region were purchased on foreign markets. The share of imported sunflower seeds is 60%, corn and rapeseed — more than 30%. Last year, 17% of perennial grass sprouts were also imported to the EAEU from different countries.
The union believes that dependence on imported seeds is extremely acute and will continue to increase unless effective measures are taken. Therefore, a new strategy was adopted, which will be implemented until 2025. The first priority is to create detailed recommendations for the sectors of breeding and seed production, on which specialists are already working. It is necessary to increase the seed base in the region and breed new species, which will be optimally suited to the conditions of growing in the region.
Another issue that is discussed in EAEU concerns the global trend to reduce the consumption of animal protein. Popularization of healthy lifestyle principles and adherence to the principles of responsible consumption contribute to the fact that more and more people switch to plant-based analogues of natural protein. In the EAEU this trend is not as developed as in other countries, but it has a high potential, which should be developed today. The region has the ability to grow a substitute for animal protein not only to meet the needs of the domestic market, but also for exports.
The first priority for the EAEU is to develop standards and norms for the production of such products. It should also be understood that increased consumption of plant-based protein in the future will have a negative impact on the livestock sector, and it is possible that it will not be subject to additional taxes. It is necessary to take care of the representatives of this industry, so that they could survive the reduction of production with minimal losses.