It is possible that in the near future, import of genetically modified soybeans to the territory of the Russian Federation may begin, provided that a number of conditions are met.
The main condition is that this soybean will be processed — feed will be produced from it, which, in turn, will then be exported.
Thus, the GMO soybeans that actually arrive in Russia will not be used, but will pass through the country as if in «transit».
Most likely, such permission may be given to load the processing capacities, which are currently often idle, and also to ensure that they receive revenue.
At present, the Ministry of Agriculture has already prepared a corresponding regulatory act that makes it possible to import and further process GMO soybeans. At the same time, the ban on domestic production of feed made from such raw materials is planned to be maintained.
At the same time, in general, Russia still maintains its «protection» from GMO soybeans: its import for the purpose of sowing, growing, breeding and circulation is still prohibited.
«If state registration of genetically modified organisms registered for food purposes is required, Russian GMO soybean processors will not be able to purchase imported soybeans, load processing capacities and increase the export figures for finished products,» the draft resolution notes.
It is noteworthy that previously it was possible to import GMO soybeans to Russia for use.
Since 2020, foreign companies have had this opportunity, provided that the raw materials are intended for the production of animal feed, and the safety of such feed is confirmed by Rosselkhoznadzor.
However, since 2024, foreign suppliers have had to face a complete ban on the import of GMO soybeans to Russia. In fact, this has led to the fact that up to 500 thousand tons of such products cannot enter the territory of the Russian Federation every year.
Enterprises that are constantly engaged in soybean processing expect that the ban on the import of GMO products will allow them to increase production volumes.
«The Russian Federation still has soybean processing capacities that are dependent on imported raw materials.
The total capacity of soybean processing plants operating in the Kaliningrad Region exceeds 2 million tons of soybeans per year.
Due to soybeans grown in the Kaliningrad Region, these capacities can be loaded by less than 5%.
Thus, the lack of the ability to import GMO soybeans will not allow the processing capacities to be fully loaded,» the Ministry of Agriculture notes.
