Russian Agricultural Center FSBI conducted the first assessment of the quality of the new wheat crop. Only 24.3% can meet the requirements of grades 1-3 (with a gluten content of over 23%). 49.7% of the surveyed grain, grown in Russia, belongs to the 4th class. Another 25.7% belongs on the 5th grade.
The low quality of domestic wheat remains the same and is largely due to the lag in genetic engineering and breeding, as well as pricing, which does not encourage producers to grow higher-grade grain. After all, the difference in price between the 4th and 1st grade of grain does not allow us to recoup the costs of modern agrochemistry and new selective methods.
As a result, the quality of grain in the country has been falling for several years, and the former fodder (4th class) has been recognized as food grade. The decision of the Russian authorities is paradoxical - the authorities have made changes in state standards, according to which, as of July 1, 2018, wheat of grade 5 is allowed for flour production. Previously, this grain was used only for animal feed.
For comparison - the famous French stock exchange MATIF, where they sell wheat for baking high-quality bread, does not have grain with gluten below 28% (Russian 2 nd grade). It is no wonder that, when they come to the store, customers are increasingly complaining about the lack of bread flavor.
Source: Sphere Publishing House.
