Russia allows imports of GMO soybeans for export-oriented animal feed production

Russia has authorised a resumption of imports of genetically-modified (GMO) soybeans for export-oriented animal feed production, according to a new Russian government decree, in a move needed to ensure that domestic feed producers can operate without interruption in case of a lower soybean harvest at home.

Russia banned the use of GMO plants and the breeding of genetically modified animals in food production in 2016, but allowed imports of GMO soybeans for animal feed production in 2020. After a bumper domestic soybeans harvest in 2024, Russia tried to stop GMO soybeans imports from the start of 2025 by not prolonging the permission.

However, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut said at the time that authorities would assess how this suspension of GMO soybeans imports would affect the market. Analysts say most GMO soybeans are sourced from South America.

Russia has a record soybean harvest of 7.04 million tons in 2024, up from 6.83 million tons in 2023.

The IKAR agency estimates the potential for Russian soybean meal exports this season at 400,000-500,000 tons.

According to OleoSope analysts, Russia's soybean meal exports fell 56% to 161,000 tons in the first four months of 2025. Belarus and Uzbekistan were the leaders in purchases, while Kazakhstan, Turkey and Azerbaijan were also among the top five importers.

According to the state-run Agroexport agency, the geography of Russian soymeal shipments in June expanded to Morocco.

Russia does not disclose export statistics.