Issues of formation and use of stabilization funds were discussed at a republican meeting in the Vitebsk region
Representatives of the regional government, district executive committees, vegetable producers, and retail chains took part in the discussion of this important issue concerning the country's food security.
– In each region, we gather farmers, representatives of agricultural enterprises, and organize a dialogue platform with trade organizations – both national and regional chains. The latter's demand for fruits and vegetables increases significantly during the off-season. The government pays special attention to this issue – to preserve what has been grown, store it, and sell it fresh to people. Therefore, the task is to connect producers and trade through contractual relations. Belarus, as a major producer of agricultural products, is generally self-sufficient. We grow 4.5 times more than we need ourselves, and we try to earn from exports. But the most important thing is to feed the population of Belarus, – emphasized the Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade of the Republic of Belarus, Aleksei Bogdanov.
Vitebsk region, as noted by the head of the department, must ensure the storage of 16 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables – the so-called "borscht set," plus apples. The minister drew attention to the fact that since last year, trade organizations have been focused on selling domestic fruits and vegetables.
Before the meeting, participants of the business meeting familiarized themselves with samples of products grown by the production cooperative "Olgovskoye," the "Luzhesnyanskaya" variety testing station, the Vitebsk Zonal Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, and the state enterprise "Rudakovo."
– The harvest this year is quite good. We traditionally grow both open-field and greenhouse vegetables. We have already harvested all the carrots and beets, and are now continuing to harvest potatoes. We have signed contracts for the supply of 490 tons of potatoes to retail chains out of the planned 500 tons. All storage facilities have been repaired, certified, and are ready to receive produce. We will supply Vitebsk with vegetables, – assured Andrey Benko, director of "Rudakovo".
One of the main partners of the enterprise is the "Vesta" retail chain. According to Reyman Veniaminov, director of this joint-stock company, "Vesta" always prefers domestic products, focusing on two main indicators – quality and price.
– The Vitebsk region procures fruit and vegetable products to fully meet the needs of regional retail chains. As of today, 96% of contracts with producers have been concluded. There are problems with onions and apples. Due to weather conditions this year, we had a lower yield of beets, cabbage, and carrots. But there is still time to rectify the situation. What is insufficient will be procured from the population and farmers by consumer cooperatives. There is already an established scheme for supplying closed educational and healthcare institutions. An important issue is the readiness of storage facilities. All have passed certification and meet the necessary requirements, – said Anzhelika Nikitina, Deputy Chairperson of the Regional Executive Committee.
During the meeting, the issue of conditions for entering retail chains and requirements for fruit and vegetable products was also discussed.
An important outcome of the meeting was the negotiations between representatives of retail chains and agricultural producers of the Vitebsk region on concluding contracts for product supply.