Opening the meeting Mr Zubkov stressed that the Government Programme of the Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex in 2009 will be funded at the same level as in 2008. "Taking into account the anti-crisis measures we will keep the funding of the government programme at least at the level of 2008," he noted.

The First Deputy Prime Minister said that the new economic conditions prevailing in 2009 necessitated an adjustment of the State Programme expenditure, but the priority areas have not been affected.

According to Mr Zubkov, the key task for 2009 is to replace the import of meat and milk, and to keep up the pace of crop production growth. To this end crop production this year must increase by 4%, livestock production by 5% and plant growing by 3%. "Against the background of production decline in other sectors of the economy these are ambitious targets," the First Deputy Prime Minister noted.

Mr Zubkov stressed that the implementation of the plans would greatly depend on the performance of the regions. "It is important that the regions treat the agro-industrial complex as a priority and ensure the required co-financing of the measures under the programme," he said. 

Speaking about the approaching agricultural season, the First Deputy Prime Minister expressed concern about the growing prices for fuel and lubricants. In this context the federal executive bodies must coordinate their actions and take prompt decisions on the basis of constant monitoring. Mr Zubkov announced that he was planning a conference call in early March to review the issues of seasonal field work. The issue is to be discussed at a meeting of the Russian Government on March 5.