Russia is the largest global importer of apples and pears. In marketing year (MY) 2013, Russian imports of apples are expected to grow slightly while imports of pears and grapes are forecast to remain flat. Post forecasts apple production at 1.2 million metric tons (MMT) in MY 13, down 5 percent than the previous year. Commercial pear production in MY 13 is forecast to remain flat compared to the previous year. The Russian government has allocated funds devoted to horticulture development including: partial reimbursement for new orchard planting and for old orchard removal, cultivation development, financial support for research in new varieties and seed breeding.
