The Commission examined a draft national report on the results of implementing the State Programme for the Development of Agriculture, the Regulation of Agricultural Produce, Feedstock and Food Markets for the 2008-2012 Period Throughout 2008 and the implementation of federal target, industry and departmental programmes. 

"The agro-industrial sector posted steady growth as indicated by all the main indices throughout 2008. Virtually all of the State Programme's key parameters have been met or surpassed," Mr Zubkov said, while summing up the results of 2008, and proposed making a detailed assessment of the agro-industrial sector's 2009 development forecast and high-priority measures to implement the State Programme in 2009.

"We now have all the required conditions for preserving the State Programme's main parameters in 2009," Mr Zubkov stressed.

"The Government has charted priorities, allocated substantial funding, including that stipulated by the anti-crisis measures. The Ministry of Agriculture, regional leaders and top business managers must facilitate cooperation in order to utilise the industry's resources in the most effective way. Due to reduced budgetary spending, some of the programme's provisions will inevitably be amended. Most importantly, we must now reallocate the State Programme's resources to key areas," Mr Zubkov said.

In this connection, Mr Zubkov emphasised the Ministry of Agriculture's responsibility for the effectiveness and quality of managerial decisions. Notably, the First Deputy Prime Minister wanted to know why projects to expand meat-and-dairy production are seen as ineffective. He said seven billion roubles had been allocated for these projects in 2009.

"Please tell me who is making such decisions and on what grounds. Domestic industries are hard pressed for cash and must not lie idle," Mr Zubkov stressed. "Although these industries are facing a difficult situation, not a single kopeck of funding earmarked for such purposes has been spent to date," the First Deputy Prime Minister said. He said the President had discussed this issue yesterday.

Mr Zubkov said pork-and-poultry import substitutes and sustained production of top-quality grain were high-priority aspects of the Government's work.

"We must ensure regular co-funding in full volume, primarily for expanded regional meat-and-dairy livestock programmes, start tackling the overdue grain warehouse-infrastructure and logistics issues, including those of the United Grain Company," the First Deputy Prime Minister stressed.

"Only active and comprehensive efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture, the regions and agricultural business will make it possible to achieve qualitative changes in key spheres," Mr Zubkov stressed.

The First Deputy Prime Minister said the Government must be guided by the same tasks, while amending two present-day federal, target, industry and departmental programmes.

"We would be able to maintain average rural standards of living if we retain their parameters, and if we retain the agro-industrial sector's growth rates. We would preserve jobs in the countryside and affiliated economic sectors and even create new ones. This is a high-priority social objective," Mr Zubkov said.