FACTBOX: World's largest grain producers and exporters

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's long-neglected agricultural sector is undergoing a revival as investors seek to cash in on the country's potential as a major supplier of grains to world markets.

Russia is the world's fifth-largest grain grower. It also ranked fifth in the 2007/08 marketing year in terms of grain exports by the International Grains Council.

Following are some statistics on the world's largest grain growers and exporters, Russian crop areas, meat imports and consumption.

WORLD'S LARGEST GRAIN PRODUCERS

2007

Rank Country Grain Production inc. Wheat Maize Barley

(million tonnes)

1. United States 407.7 56.2 332.1 4.6

2. China 271.7 109.9 151.8 3.6

3. European Union* 255.9 119.8 47.3 57.5

4. India 115.6 75.8 18.5 1.3

5. Russia 80.1 49.4 - 15.6

6. Brazil 65.1 3.8 58.4 -

7. Canada 47.9 20.1 11.6 11.0

8. Argentina 42.0 15.5 21.0 1.5

9. Mexico 35.8 3.5 24.0 -

10. Ukraine 29.7 13.9 7.4 6.7

2008 (estimated)

Rank Country Grain Production inc. Wheat Maize Barley

(million tonnes)

1. United States 376.6 64.5 295.0 5.1

2. European Union* 290.6 139.0 58.1 61.5

3. China 273.5 112.0 152.0 3.7

4. India 114.3 78.0 18.0 1.3

5. Russia 85.6 51.5 - 18.0

6. Brazil 62.6 5.0 55.0 -

7. Canada 49.0 24.5 9.9 10.5

8. Argentina 42.3 14.0 22.8 1.5