According to the head of the Ministry of agriculture, in the modern pace of life in Russia, rural tourism is becoming increasingly popular. For development in this direction, the Ministry provides grant support to local initiatives of citizens living in rural areas. Currently, in the field of agrotourism are more than 1 200 organisations, and their number is growing every year. Dmitry Patrushev has expressed interest in exchanging experiences with the Republic of Austria in this field.

In addition, during the meeting the sides discussed the development of bilateral trade of agricultural products. Last year the trade turnover between the countries increased by 6.5%, amounting to about 166 million dollars. On the Austrian market, Russia supplies mainly fats and oils, dried leguminous vegetables, alcoholic beverages, and oilseeds.

As noted by Dmitry Patrushev, the Russian side counts on a more dynamic and effective cooperation in the field of agriculture and is ready to increase supplies of agricultural products to the Austrian market.

Another promising direction, in the opinion of the Minister, may be the cooperation in the field of livestock breeding. Today the supply of brood production from Austria to Russia are carried out in small volumes, and our country is interested in their increase.

At the end of the meeting Dmitry Patrushev expressed the hope that the next meeting of the Russian-Austrian working group on agriculture, which is scheduled for 2019, will give additional impetus to cooperation between the two countries.

photo: