Almost all Russian farm lands are improper for agricultural purposes – Ag Ministry
Russian Ministry of Agriculture admitted ¾ of country’s land improper for farming. The “black list” includes Voronezh, Amur, Volgograd Regions and Northern Caucasia (63 of 83 Russian territories). The list was made to provide government support without limits to these regions within the WTO. Regions were admitted unfavorable if more than 50% of land is improper for agricultural business. The list also included those territories which are situated more than 600 meters above the sea level and have the slope ratio exceeding 15 degrees. Risk of drought exceeding 60% also became criteria. Selection also included social analysis. As a result only a part of the Central Federal District, Rostov Region, Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories are suitable for agriculture.