Russia accelerates fish feed production and reduces import dependency – Russia takes giant steps towards self-sufficiency in fish feed production, with a 19% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. The goal is ambitious: by 2030, the country aims to cover 90 per cent of domestic demand for feed and 80 per cent for salmon eggs, drastically reducing dependence on imports.
In recent years, Russia has embarked on a major transformation of its aquaculture sector, stimulated by the need to reduce the impact of sanctions and ensure greater food security. Before 2022, 90% of salmon feed was imported, but the Russian government reacted quickly by introducing support measures in 2023. These included a 25% compensation on direct capital costs for the construction and modernisation of production facilities.
The import substitution strategy led to the establishment of new plants in the Kursk, Nizhny Novgorod and Astrakhan regions, as well as in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. In addition, the existing plant in the Saratov region underwent a modernisation process to increase production capacity. Annual fish feed production is projected to reach 250,000 tonnes by 2030.
Salmon eggs: less dependence on foreign countries
Another crucial piece of the Russian strategy concerns salmon farming. Whereas until 2021 98% of salmon eggs came from Norway, Denmark, the US and France, by 2024 Russian farms were able to cover 15% of domestic demand with domestic production. This development has been possible thanks to the development of local hatcheries that guarantee stocks that are more resistant to the country’s environmental conditions and increased health control.
To support this growth, breeding facilities in Adler have been modernised and new production sites have been opened in the regions of Vologda and Yaroslavl, as well as in the Republic of Karelia. By 2030, Russia aims to achieve 80% self-sufficiency in salmon egg production.
Implications for the global aquaculture market
Russia’s turnaround in salmon farming and feed production will have significant global implications. The reduction in imports could redefine the trade balance, especially for European countries that were the main suppliers to the Russian Federation until a few years ago. At the same time, the increase in domestic production could make Russia a new competitive player in the international aquaculture market.
The path taken is clear: with targeted investments and a strong political push, Russia is transforming its fisheries sector into an increasingly autonomous and resilient industry, with the aim of consolidating its position in the global fisheries and aquaculture landscape.
Russia accelerates fish feed production and reduces dependence on imports
