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The Ministry of Agriculture reaffirmed its commitment to keeping dairy products affordable for consumers across the country. This assurance was delivered by Dmitry Patrushev, the Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, during the 25th congress of the National Union of Milk Producers. The remarks were reported by RIA News. The minister emphasized that ensuring steady, predictable pricing remains a top priority as the sector navigates seasonal fluctuations and evolving market conditions.

During the congress, Patrushev urged industry participants and the public to monitor price dynamics closely and to avoid abrupt, unexplained increases. He warned that, should sharp price jumps occur, the ministry would have to consider timely regulatory measures to stabilize the market and protect consumers. The goal, as stated, is to maintain trust in the dairy market while preserving fair competition among producers, distributors, and retailers.

The minister recalled that earlier adjustments in milk purchase prices had been influenced by a period of higher production. He noted that the government had actively supported the sector by expanding export opportunities for dairy products. By opening and widening export channels, domestic producers could better absorb production surpluses, which in turn helped stabilize the national market and keep retail prices within reason. Patrushev highlighted the interconnected nature of production, export policy, and consumer pricing in shaping a resilient dairy sector.

Statistical figures from Rosstat indicate a modest rise in drinking milk prices in Russia since the start of 2023, with increases of about 0.5 to 0.6 percent. The broader price growth for the year remained around 0.5 percent, reflecting a measured trajectory rather than volatility. The government has used these indicators to calibrate policy tools, aiming to balance farmers’ income with affordable consumption for households. The ongoing effort involves close collaboration with producers, industry bodies, and regional authorities to monitor supply chains, manage costs, and ensure transparent pricing structures [Rosstat].

In recent public statements, the Ministry of Agriculture signaled readiness to respond decisively to price shocks in essential goods, including dairy and eggs, through a mix of supply-side support, market interventions, and, when necessary, targeted export controls. The aim is to prevent speculative spikes and to maintain a stable availability of staples for families across diverse regions. The ministry also underscored the importance of domestic dairy development programs, investment in processing capacity, and improved logistics to reduce costs from farm to store shelves [Rosstat].

Previously, the ministry responded to rising prices for basic goods by outlining a framework for monitoring, forecasting, and rapid response. This comprehensive approach involved coordinated actions with agricultural cooperatives, retailers, and transport providers to mitigate price volatility and safeguard consumer interests. The ministry’s experience in addressing market dynamics has been instrumental in shaping policy measures that aim to protect household budgets while sustaining the dairy sector’s competitiveness on both national and international stages [Rosstat].

Additionally, the ministry explored scenarios for safeguarding the dairy supply chain during periods of peak demand and potential disruptions. By aligning agricultural subsidies, cold-chain logistics improvements, and export incentives, officials sought to ensure a steady flow of milk and dairy products to consumers, even amid external pressures such as climate variability or global market shifts. These efforts reflect a long-term vision of resilient food security, where affordability, quality, and availability are pursued in tandem [Rosstat].