Russia in this agricultural year (July 2016-June 2017) will continue to "trample" export grain markets of the United States, increasing grain supplies in the countries of Latin America, predicts the General Director of "Prozerno" Vladimir Petrichenko.

"Two years ago we went non-traditional for Russian grain markets in Latin America, where the predominant grain from the United States. Now traditionally, we "trample on the U.S. markets", - said V. Petrichenko, "Interfax". This primarily refers to Mexico and Peru, he added.

As said Vladimir Petrichenko, the geographical expansion is necessary due to the fact that in this agricultural year "is a huge challenge to onexportreport 42-42,5 million tons of grain, including the 31-32 million tons of wheat". "I never had such problem, but it is vital, based on the grain balance. This season we have to do it," he said, stressing that "the 2016/2017 season will be unique".

V. Petrichenko recalled that in the past agricultural year, Russia exported 35 million tons of grain in 80 countries. The number of active buyers included Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and several other countries. There are good prospects in the far East, primarily for the supply of grain to China, he said.

"Growing "foreign appetite" for grain from our traditional customers. This, above all, Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan. They have imported purchasing program higher than last season", - said the head of "Prozerno."

According to the forecast of V. Petrichenko, the gross grain harvest in Russia this year will amount to 118,5 million tonnes (to 104.8 million tons last year), including 72.5 million tons of wheat (61.8 million tons).