On January 16, 2023, the Union of Potato and Vegetable Market Participants (Potato Union) held an expanded meeting of the Council. The participants of the meeting discussed the current situation in the market of potatoes and vegetables, the prospects for the industry in the coming years.
One of the important topics of the meeting was the development of Russian potato breeding. Alexey Krasilnikov, Executive Director of the Potato Union, drew the attention of the audience to Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 4133-r, issued on December 23, 2022, according to which the level of self-sufficiency of Russian farms with seeds of domestic selection by 2030 should reach 50%. Recall that while the share of Russian selection in the total volume of potato seed material is small, the level of provision with seeds of Russian selection in the season ended was estimated at 6,7%. Members of the Council of the Union, including the heads of large breeding and seed companies, differently assessed the degree of achievability of the indicator. But everyone agreed that replacing a significant part of the varieties in the production of ware potatoes in a short time is a very difficult task and not feasible for every agricultural enterprise.
At the same time, Sergey Lupekhin, Chairman of the Potato Union, noted that many market participants have already introduced varieties of Russian selection into the lineup, and their efforts will be supported by the state. According to the expert, in the near future only such farms will be able to apply for subsidies.
Continuing the topic of Russian varieties, representatives of the Potato Union raised the issue of the upcoming change in the target indicators / indicators of the subprogram of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Agriculture for 2017-2030 (hereinafter - FSTP) "Development of selection and seed production of potatoes in the Russian Federation", the introduction of which is scheduled for January 2023. Sergei Lupekhin said that the participants of the subprogram would most likely be required to organize demonstration sites for the varieties produced. Specialists will monitor plantings, and the data obtained will be used to annually determine the most promising new products, which will receive state support. However, the appearance of this requirement can be attributed to the expected. In addition, as Alexander Chuenko, General Director of Doka - Gene Technologies LLC, said: “Large seed companies have their own production and have a demonstration site.”
Sergey Lupekhin emphasized that the amendments to the list of indicators of the subprogram are still under discussion, and the Potato Union is making every effort to ensure that, as a result, the subprogram participants receive the most understandable, logical and reasonable list of requirements.
The intensification of activities to promote Russian varieties on the market does not mean that potato growers are abandoning the achievements of foreign breeders. On the eve of the new season, the members of the Union discussed the issues of importing seed material from Europe. According to the Potato Union, last year Russia received 13,03 thousand tons of seed potatoes from the EU countries. This year, according to a preliminary assessment, there is a downward trend in the volume of deliveries. The reduction is due to a decrease in the volume of seeds from the Netherlands and Finland, but there is a possibility of an increase in supplies from France. The import procedure itself is currently going on as usual.
Sergey Lupekhin also briefly spoke about the work carried out by the Union of Potato and Vegetable Market Participants to protect the interests of potato growers. Thus, he noted that last year, thanks to the association's intervention, it was possible to postpone the introduction of certain articles of the Law on Seed Production, which caused the most criticism in the professional environment. In particular, the introduction of plant genetic passports was postponed for a year. The Chairman of the Potato Union indicated that the organization will continue to fight for the abolition of some of the provisions of the law that increase the administrative and financial burden on the agricultural business.
The participants of the meeting put their “hot” issues on the agenda. Thus, Gennady Ryazanov, General Director of Agrofirm "KRIMM", suggested discussing with retailers operating in Russia the possibility of accepting products according to the requirements of Russian GOSTs, and not according to internal standards. By decision of the Council, this topic will be raised at a meeting with representatives of retail chains.
At the end of the meeting, Tatyana Gubina, Head of Staff of the Potato Union, reminded the audience that work is currently underway to prepare the sixth issue of the organization's almanac, which tells about the achievements of its members. The publication will be released in March 2023 and called on everyone to take part in filling the publication.