Production of key field crops declined to approximately 125 million tons, down 14% from an all-time record harvest of 153-155 million tons of grain in 2023. Wheat output fell to 82 million tons, a 16% decrease, while other crops, including maize, barley and sugar beets, recorded drops of around 20%. Potato production was down by 10%. Poor weather conditions, limited access to high-quality seeds due to sanctions (Russia used to import all its seed potatoes from Europe), farm machinery and a chronic labor shortage were cited as primary factors behind the decline.