First Deputy Minister of agriculture of the Russian Federation Dzhambulat Hatuov in the framework of the business program of the Second world grain forum held a meeting with the President of the national Confederation of farmers of Italy "Coldiretti" Roberto Moncalvo. Dzhambulat Hatuov noted that Italy has traditionally been an important partner of our country in the agricultural sector and, despite the difficulties in Russian-European relations, this year the bilateral dialogue in the field of agriculture has increased significantly.

Currently, work is continuing on implementation of joint investment projects in dairy and livestock breeding, greenhouse farming and processing of agricultural products with the participation of Italian companies in the regions of Russia. The meeting participants noted the existing potential to increase the volume of bilateral trade. In particular, the Italian side expressed interest in increasing imports of Russian grain.

This year, supplies of Russian wheat to Italy increased in 1,8 times and has exceeded 109 thousand tons. The meeting also discussed the development of agro-tourism. Roberto Moncalvo said that in Italy in this sector employs more than 25 thousand family farms, and noted that the Confederation is ready to provide assistance for the formation of the Russian network of agrotourism.

Mutual interest was identified in the field of exchange of experience, modern technologies in the field of viticulture and winemaking, construction and reconstruction of greenhouses, the production of animal feed shelf, the introduction of advanced irrigation technologies, and waste processing of livestock and poultry with subsequent production of organic fertilizers. Following the meeting, the sides stressed the positive development of Russian-Italian relations in the field of agriculture and outlined the willingness for cooperation and implementation of joint agricultural projects.