Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: We have repeatedly addressed agricultural issues, but I would like to once again congratulate you and all farmers on the successful harvest and impressive performance this year. However, the agriculture sector still faces many problems. In mid-2008, we decided to allocate another 50 billion roubles for the sector, including 30 billion roubles for the Agricultural Bank's statutory capital and 20 billion roubles to support farmers and implement various programmes involved with beef and dairy cattle-breeding, poultry-farming and fertiliser production.
You have voiced your concerns regarding the disparity between POL (petroleum, oil and lubricant) pricing and food prices before the Government and State Duma deputies and the need for compensation to make up the difference. Although food prices continued to skyrocket, the gap persists.
The Government's economic agencies, including the Finance Ministry, have analysed this issue at my instruction. After reviewing the issue, I have decided to set aside another 10 billion roubles for compensating recent POL price hikes. Let's make a deal: the Ministry will receive this funding immediately and will promptly transfer it to producers. In late 2008, we will reassess the situation in agriculture and food prices, and, if necessary, will make additional adjustments early next year.
Alexei Gordeyev: Thank you, Mr Putin, for your quick response. You issued the relevant directive on Monday, and the decision was adopted two days later. This will greatly enhance our potential, facilitating preparations for the spring sowing season and necessary equipment and materials purchases.
