Belarus expects to increase food exports in 2026. Following the results of 2025, they have already exceeded $10 billion. This was reported by Agriculture and Food Minister Yury Horlau after a briefing to Lukashenka.
“Last year, we achieved a record result and sold our products for a total amount exceeding $10 billion. Although 2024 was also a record year: we then sold goods worth $9 billion. We are not stopping there and see that our products are in demand on the external market; they have always been and continue to be distinguished by high quality. This is noted by our colleagues with whom we work,” he said.
According to him, in January this year, agricultural exports increased by 21% compared to the same month last year. Horlau also noted that global food prices are rising.
“We see that food prices in the world are increasing. We monitor this and track global trade quotations. And we see that our products are in demand and are competitive,” he said.
According to him, exports are carried out to 117 countries worldwide. Russia remains the main market. However, the minister also noted supplies to countries in Asia and Africa.
“We sell certain products even to the United States of America. Not long ago, we entered the Algerian market, where we sell our whole milk powder. This country imports around 500,000 tonnes of whole milk powder, and for us this is indeed a promising market where we are currently working,” he said.
The minister also noted sales of skimmed milk powder to Bangladesh and supplies to Malaysia.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has also set a target to harvest no less than 11.5 million tonnes, taking into account all categories of farms and rapeseed.
“This year, the head of state has set the task of harvesting grain at no less than last year’s level. We took 2025 as the baseline, when we harvested 11.1 million tonnes of grain, including all farmers and rapeseed. This year we must obtain no less. The target is 11.5 million tonnes of grain. Everything is in place for this. Farmers are ready to fulfil the assigned tasks,” he said.
Horlau also reported that spring sowing has already begun in all regions except Vitsyebsk. Speaking about sowing areas, the minister said that the total spring planting area amounts to about 2.3 million hectares, of which 573,000 hectares are allocated for early spring grain crops, and 1.3 million hectares for corn, including 376,000 hectares for grain corn. The ministry expects higher corn yields this year compared to last year.