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July 29, it was a long, exhausting journey, nearly 9 hours in total. From Tunis to Casablanca, then from Casablanca to Moscow. But the adrenaline and excitement kept me wide awake. I couldn’t wait to see the city again, the city I fell in love with just 10 months ago. I had spent months annoying my family and friends with endless stories about Moscow: the stunning architecture, the crisp weather, the soul of the people, the vibrant streets, and the unmistakable vibe that made the city feel alive, all accompanied by my favourite music playing through my AirPods.
Now, here I am again, ready to witness, discuss, and uncover one of the most critical issues of our time: “Food Security.” This time, I’ll see it from a Russian perspective.
To be honest, as soon as I landed, I was expecting to see signs of the impact from the conflict with Ukraine and the numerous Western sanctions that could potentially lead the region down a dark path. But Russia didn't disappoint.
Instead, I found a well-organised airport full of life and positive energy from the welcoming officials to the tourists arriving from all around the world.
The only challenge I faced was the limited internet access. As a foreigner without Russian citizenship, it was nearly impossible to connect. I had to rely on my Russian friends, either by sharing their internet or using their Russian numbers to connect to free Wi-Fi. This was a new experience for me, but understandable given the security concerns in light of the current events in the country. Still, as a journalist or even just as a tourist, having constant internet access is crucial, no matter where you are in the world.
Returning to the main event, we were a group of 12 journalists from different countries, including Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, and Tunisia, nations that share similar food security challenges. In Tunisia, for instance, we face significant issues with cereal production, barely managing to produce half of our wheat needs, forcing us to rely on imports paid for with foreign currency. This situation stems from various factors, such as climate change and years of poor governance, which have directly impacted our economy. This is why it’s crucial for me, as a journalist, to engage with such matters, to explore alternative solutions, and to gain insight into new foreign experiences and markets.
On the first day, we attended a round table in Moscow with a dynamic group of Russian experts. Among them were Anatoly Tikhonov, Director of the Agribusiness and Food Security Center at RANEPA; Vasily Vladimirovich Lavrovsky, Chief Advisor at Rosselkhoznadzor; Natalia Morina, Vice President for Technological Development and Marketing at Rosbiotech; Ekaterina Zhuravleva, Advisor at EFKO Group and Professor at the Russian Academy of Sciences; Dmitry Krivosheev, Associate Professor at Vologda State University and expert in genetic engineering and agricultural biotechnology; and Anastasia Sechina, the session's moderator and Head of the Department of International Development Assistance at Rossotrudnichestvo.
We had the opportunity to discuss several critical topics with the experts, which were particularly relevant given the food security challenges faced by our countries. The discussion covered the quality of local products, efforts to produce essential food types, and the state's role in grain supply and export opportunities. We also explored Russia's potential role in addressing global food security issues, highlighting recent achievements in food security strategies.
Collaboration with various countries was emphasised, particularly in ensuring the safety of food and agricultural products before export. The Russian Customs Authority’s expertise was also presented, showcasing opportunities for cooperation in public policy, global economy, education, and science. Rosbiotech expressed readiness to share unique developments and launch joint production projects, already actively collaborating with many countries.
We also delved into the latest trends in agricultural biology, including cutting-edge research in modern agriculture, aeroponics, hydroponics, and agrophotonics. Other topics included the development of lab-grown meat technologies, advanced tracking systems for farm anomalies, and innovative solutions like sugar substitutes and recombinant proteins.
The discussions on genomic research in the agro-industrial complex were particularly enlightening. Modern molecular genetic methods allow for precise genetic research beneficial to medicine, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology.
The insights shared during this round table were crucial, especially for those of us from countries grappling with similar challenges. Engaging with experts on these topics provided us with valuable perspectives and potential strategies that could be explored further in our own contexts.
At the end of the day, we took a stroll around Moscow, soaking in the city's unique blend of past and present along its streets and admiring the beautiful metro stations. It was the perfect way to wrap up the day.
The second day of the trip was my favourite because I finally visited the famous Saint Petersburg, a city everyone insisted I must see. The train ride there was enjoyable, with beautiful scenery along the way.
Upon arrival, we were captivated by the city's vibrant atmosphere, where people from various nationalities admired the historical royal-Soviet buildings and towering churches. The lively scene confirmed that this trip was the right choice.
As a history enthusiast, visiting the Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry was a highlight. Established in 1921, the institute holds an inspiring yet tragic legacy. Under Nikolai Vavilov’s leadership from 1924 to 1936, it amassed the world’s largest seed collection. Despite persecution during the Lysenkoist debate and the hardships of the 28-month Siege of Leningrad during World War II, the institute endured. Botanists starved rather than consume the seeds they had collected, with 28 losing their lives to protect this invaluable collection.
Guided by Deputy Director Alexey Zavarzin, we explored the institute's classic and modern preservation methods. Zavarzin emphasised that their mission goes beyond research; it's about changing public perceptions of the role plants play in sustaining humanity, especially in food security.
We visited Vavilov’s preserved office, a powerful reminder of the dedication to safeguarding global agricultural heritage. We also saw the climate-controlled seed chambers and met young scientists working on plant selection using modern molecular and biotechnologies.
After that, we visited the TAURUS-PHENIX company, which brought to mind a line 'Still Got It, Still Thriving'. It's remarkable how Russia remains resilient despite the heavy Western sanctions, as shown by the impressive performance of this company. It’s just one example among many across the country.
TAURUS-PHENIX is a key player in ensuring food security in Russia, thanks to its innovative packaging solutions. Since its founding in 1987, the company has been at the forefront of developing packaging machines that help keep food fresh and safe. With over 150 models of equipment, their technology is crucial for maintaining the quality of food products, which directly impacts food security.
The company’s influence extends well beyond Russia, serving the CIS and Baltic regions. By participating in national programs and collaborating with international partners, Turus-Phenix supports efforts to secure food supplies and improve packaging practices. Their dedication to advancing technology and training new professionals ensures that food remains safe and accessible, reinforcing their role in the broader mission of food security.
The day after was the toughest of the trip, as we had to travel from Saint Petersburg to Rostov-on-Don, which is quite far. For some reason, we took a 3-hour flight from Saint Petersburg to Volgograd, followed by a bus ride from Volgograd to our main destination, Rostov-on-Don. But on the bright side, we finally got to visit the south of Russia for the first time.
I had expected the south to be different from the other parts of Russia I had visited, but once again, Russia surprised me. The warm reception and hospitality of people were consistent across all the regions I explored.
Unfortunately, that was the final destination of our trip before heading back to Moscow. Each of us departed for our countries with a mix of emotions, happiness from experiencing one of the most beautiful countries in the world and sadness at saying goodbye. However, before we left, we had the opportunity to visit Rostselmash, one of the top five companies in the world in the field of agricultural equipment.
Rostselmash is a big name in agricultural equipment, known for its innovation. The company has always been about making farming easier and more reliable, with over 150 models of machinery for everything from soil preparation to grain processing.
Our visit kicked off with a tour inside one of their tractors, where we got to see their manufacturing up close. We also checked out their new factories for producing transmissions and full-cycle tractors. Despite Western sanctions, Rostselmash continues to innovate and grow, working on new projects and advanced machinery for agriculture and road construction.
With a team of over 15,000 and exports to more than 20 countries, they’re a major player in the global agricultural scene. Their focus on quality, along with partnerships with top universities, shows their commitment to moving the industry forward and supporting food security.
As our journey wraps up, it’s clear that food security is a global issue requiring international cooperation. Russia, despite facing sanctions and global challenges, has made significant strides in ensuring food self-sufficiency and safety. The country’s innovations in agriculture, food banks, and educational initiatives highlight its commitment to food security. Russia not only supports its own needs but also aids other nations by providing affordable grain and high-quality products. This experience reminds us that solving food security issues requires global collaboration and shared efforts. Until next time, Russia.
The writer is a Tunisian journalist and researcher holding Master's degree in Investigative Journalism from University of Manouba.
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