Winter rye is the basis of public health and food independence of Russia

Over the past 10 years, the acreage of winter rye in Russia has decreased threefold and in 2024 amounted to 669 thousand hectares. The main reasons for the current situation are the unequal pricing policy for rye and wheat grain, as well as the insufficiently developed sphere of its processing. Winter rye has been and remains an indispensable grain crop in agricultural production, food, feed and other industries. No grain crop can compare with it in terms of adaptability, winter hardiness, tolerance to infertile soils with high acidity. The rich vitamin and mineral complex and high fiber content make rye an ideal raw material for the production of healthy food products that provide the human body with energy, protect against premature aging and are a preventive measure against many serious diseases. Restoring the position of winter rye in the agricultural sector is impossible without combining the efforts of the breeding and seed sector, production, processing industry and strong government support.