On June 4, 2026, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), a session titled "Food Security as a Foundation for Addressing Key State Objectives" was held, featuring Russia's First Deputy Minister of Agriculture Elena Fastova and representatives from Saudi Arabia's agricultural authorities. Elena Fastova stated that Russia is ready to increase supplies of wheat, feed crops, and poultry products to Saudi Arabia. The parties also discussed cooperation in veterinary medicine, breeding, and genetics.
According to Fastova, Russian agricultural products are exported to 160 countries, with BRICS nations accounting for over a third of total agro-exports. Currently, efforts are underway to establish a grain exchange under the association—an initiative supported by member countries in 2025. Fastova also noted that Russia's self-sufficiency level for apples stands at 83%. In the coming years, as per the president's directive, the country must fully meet domestic market demand through its own production.