Russian farmers demand abolition of grain export duties amid worsening sector conditions

Russian farming enterprises have appealed to the government with a proposal to abolish export duties on grains, pulses, and oilseeds, as well as introduce a moratorium on bankruptcy in border regions and implement additional support measures for the agricultural sector. The corresponding resolution from the Association of Peasant (Farmer) Farms and Agricultural Cooperatives (AKKOR) representing 65 regions was sent to the government, the Ministry of Agriculture, the State Duma, and other authorities, noting that conditions for small-scale farmers are deteriorating year by year.

According to the association, small farms account for 64% of all sown areas in the country and a significant share of key crop and livestock production. However, farmers report declining profitability due to price disparities, increased regulatory pressure, and growing administrative burdens, including digital reporting systems.

The main demand from farmers is the abolition of export duties, which they say reduce domestic grain purchase prices and cut producers’ incomes. They also propose revising tariffs for energy, fertilizers, and other inputs, as well as reducing administrative service costs depending on farm size.

Additional proposals include a bankruptcy moratorium for affected farms, simplified veterinary regulations, eased product labeling requirements for small producers, and expanded state support for farms in emergency zones. The initiative also calls for greater consideration of small-scale agriculture in state regulation and the creation of working groups under the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Russian government has received the resolution for review, but experts remain divided on its prospects. Some argue that scrapping export duties could support producers, while others warn of risks to the domestic market and budget revenues. Authorities are expected to consider only part of the non-fiscal proposals.

Tags: export, grain, agricultural products, duties, Russia