The message reads, in part:

“Russia’s agricultural industry employs almost one third of the country’s population. The nation’s food security directly depends on the rigorous and painstaking work of agronomists, grain farmers, livestock farmers, farm equipment mechanics, as well as workers at processing plants.

“Today, the agricultural sector faces the critical challenges of attracting investment, creating new efficient jobs, and boosting the competitiveness of domestically made products on both national and foreign markets.

“The Government will continue to provide priority support for agricultural producers, resolve social issues in rural areas, and work to modernise infrastructure and build roads, affordable and comfortable housing, modern schools, hospitals, libraries, cultural centres, and sports facilities.”