Answering journalists' questions following the meeting, Viktor Zubkov said, in part:

"We have reviewed all the issues that are important to agricultural producers and the government of the Russian Federation.

"The total grain yield will amount to about 90-92 million tonnes; the harvesting is not yet completed. Exporting is active. Russia's domestic prices are optimal for agricultural producers, flour-milling businesses and stockbreeders. The prices in Siberia are slightly lower, but, as you know, we have taken a decision to introduce reduced tariffs of a 0.5 coefficient for grain rail shipping from the Kurgan Region and Siberia, including for export traffic. This coefficient has already been in effect for domestic shipping.

"At present, almost 11 million tonnes of grain have been exported. According to estimates, almost 18-19 million tonnes of grains will have been exported by the end of 2011 if this tempo is maintained in October, November and December.

"Almost 72 million tonnes of grain are needed to meet domestic demand. It is also necessary to ensure appropriate carry-overs for July 1, 2012 – they must range from 15 to 16 million tonnes.

"The estimated amount of grain that can be exported in the current agricultural year (until June 30, 2012) is about 23-24 million tonnes.

"We must be careful to avoid price increases on the domestic market to avoid domestic prices from fluctuating feverishly and food prices from going up. Obviously, they are quite attractive on today's world market – almost $230-235 per tonne of grain (over 7,000 roubles). We will continue to consistently monitor the situation, so that domestic prices should be acceptable. They might range from 5,600 to 6,500 roubles, not more. This will help us remain in control of inflation and food prices.

"I have already mentioned the figures of 23-24 million tonnes. This is the volume of exports that we can afford. Given that, the government of the Russian Federation has issued an instruction to develop and submit to the government by November 1, 2011 a document that will impose restrictions on grain exports exceeding the volume I have mentioned. This measure is aimed at ensuring stable market prices and meeting domestic demand for grain both for stockbreeders and flour-milling businesses.

"This mechanism was coordinated with all ministries and agencies in the course of the meeting and related instructions have been issued. It will allow the government of the Russia Federation to apply measures of customs tariff regulation. Market players should be warned of this in advance."