Thailand, Russia Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation for Food Security

Bangkok, Oct 31, 2026 – Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit is advancing agricultural and food cooperation with Russia amid global concerns over food security driven by climate change and supply chain uncertainty, aiming to turn challenges into opportunities by opening markets for Thai farm products, expanding export channels, and building a bilateral trade network.

Minister Suriya delivered a keynote address titled "Food Security: Agricultural Trade and Regulations" at the 2nd Russian-Thai Investment Forum at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel in Bangkok. He stated that food security is not merely an agricultural issue but a foundation for sustainable economic development, social stability, and world peace, especially as the globe faces climate change and supply chain uncertainty.

To address global volatility and reduce food supply chain risks, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is prioritizing international cooperation alongside increased agricultural trade opportunities through three key approaches: building a network of reliable trade partners to enhance trade security and ensure continuous supply of agricultural and food products; diversifying sources of agricultural and food products to reduce reliance on any single source; and developing efficient logistics systems to ensure continuous transport and distribution of agricultural and food products.

Suriya held talks with Vladimir Ilyichev, Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Governor of Krasnodar Krai, and the Russian Ambassador to Thailand to expand agricultural and food cooperation, addressing risks from climate change and supply chain uncertainty. Both sides agreed to link each country's strengths and potential to strengthen food security, upgrade agricultural and food systems, add value to farm products, and expand bilateral trade opportunities.

Additionally, Suriya pushed to open markets and expand exports of high-potential Thai agricultural products to Russia, including pet food, processed fishery products, fresh and processed tropical fruits, and rice. Russia expressed interest in exporting premium beef, grains, wheat, seafood, and rapeseed oil to Thailand. Both sides will negotiate further details under the framework of the next Thai-Russian agricultural meeting.

Russia is Thailand's 34th largest agricultural trading partner. In 2025, bilateral agricultural trade value reached 8.228 billion baht, with an average annual growth rate of 7.76 percent from 2023-2025. Thailand has maintained a consistent agricultural trade surplus with Russia. Key exports include tuna and processed fish products, processed pineapple, sauces and seasonings, rice, and pet food, reflecting opportunities to further expand cooperation and agricultural trade between the two nations.