The plenary session of the regional forum "AgroStart" is being held in Vitebsk.

The forum participants were welcomed by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Rogozhnik, the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Dmitry Demidov, the Assistant to the President – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region Vladimir Yurgevich, and the Chairman of the Standing Commission of the Council of the Republic for Regional Policy and Local Self-Government Leonid Zayats.

The plenary session will discuss issues of rural development, financial support for private initiatives; farmers and owners of agro-estates will share their work experience.

Alexander Rogozhnik, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee:

– Agriculture is one of the basic sectors of our country and the Vitebsk region. Therefore, attention to this sphere is always special. Today, the agro-industrial complex of the northern region is keeping pace with the times: modern technologies are being introduced, and high-tech jobs are being created. The machine and tractor fleet is being updated, and the range of products manufactured is increasing. All this ensures the food security of the region and the country. Goods marked "Made in Belarus" are of deserved interest to consumers in foreign countries.

I am confident that the "AgroStart. Territory of Opportunities" forum will become a platform for trusting exchange of knowledge and experience. The potential of the agro-industrial complex is huge, and we have room to grow.

I want to address the youth. The future of our country is in your hands. You have chosen one of the most important and complex professions in the modern digital age. It is you who will have to take responsibility for the agriculture of the Vitebsk region. To make it efficient, competitive, and attractive.

Our goal is to show all residents of the region the opportunities that the state provides for the development of rural areas. Today, the regional executive committee is considering various programs for subsidizing loan interest, and such cooperation will be developed with many banks in our country.

We want private individuals and farmers who love to work and want to develop to come into agriculture. And our task is to identify tools that will be useful for the development of this crucial industry for the country.

Leonid Zayats, Chairman of the Standing Commission of the Council of the Republic for Regional Policy and Local Self-Government, read out to the participants of the "Agrostart. Territory of Opportunities" forum a welcome address from the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic, Natalya Kochanova, which included the following words: "The forum's name is very symbolic. 'Agrostart' is the beginning of a new endeavor, new names, new projects. 'Territory of Opportunities' is a fact that one can and should live with dignity in rural areas: build strong farms, raise children, be in demand and respected. This is precisely the philosophy that underlies the state policy of the Republic of Belarus regarding rural territories today.

The program for socio-economic development for 2026-2030 enshrines the task of building strong, self-sufficient regions among the main ones. And a strong rural area is, above all, initiative-driven, responsible people who are ready to take on commitments and achieve results."

Dmitry Demidov, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, spoke about the goals of the agroforum:

- Our priority is the development of regions and agricultural territories. Because this is food security, tradition, and culture. Today's agroforum is aimed at unlocking the potential and demonstrating opportunities to support people who plan to connect their activities with agriculture. One of the priority aspects is the popularization of work for our young specialists. It is no coincidence that we invited students from agroclasses. The children themselves saw that it is possible to work successfully in the countryside and start families. Judging by the interest shown by our regions and youth in this event, we will develop this direction and work out effective methods of support for our regions.

Vladimir Yurghevich, Aide to the President – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region:

– The Head of State has repeatedly said that the country needs to preserve the village and revive the countryside. Judging by the exhibition presented by farms, there is such a prospect. It is necessary to replicate the results of the "AgroStart. Territory of Opportunities" forum so that interested people know about the state support for rural development.

Olga Gorlova, Rector of the Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine, moderator of the plenary session of the "Agrostart. Territory of Opportunities" forum:

– The first forum focuses on farms, attracts young people's attention to the countryside, and talks about how diverse and delicious products made with your own hands, with an open soul and heart, can be.

The presence of about 700 students and pupils at the forum is another confirmation that the emphasis is on youth, and there will be personnel in the Vitebsk region.

Vitebsk News