The volume of vegetable storage facilities put into operation in 2022 will reach a five-year record of 350 thousand tons of one-time storage, reports official website of the Russian Agricultural Bank. The introduction of new capacities will prevent the formation of up to 2 million tons of food waste per year by 2025.
According to the forecasts of experts from the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Regional Forecasting of the RSHB, the volume of vegetable stores in Russia put into operation in 2022 will amount to 350 thousand tons of one-time storage. This year's figures will be the highest in Russia over a five-year period. At the moment, the largest number of storage facilities for fruits and vegetables in agriculture was introduced in 2017 (346,1 thousand tons). For comparison, the introduced volume of storage capacity for potatoes, vegetables and fruits in agriculture in 2018 was about 174 thousand tons, in 2019 - 147,8 thousand tons, in 2020 - 298,1 thousand tons, in 2021 - 263,8 .XNUMX thousand tons.
At the same time, storage facilities for potatoes, vegetables and fruits for trade organizations in 2022 will amount to about 15 thousand tons of one-time storage, the largest number of storage facilities for trade organizations, according to Rosstat, was introduced in 2020 - 60,8 thousand tons.
“Today in Russia, the capacity of one-time storage of potatoes, vegetables and fruits is about 8,8 million tons. By 2025, the total volume of newly commissioned storage facilities may increase to 9,5 million tons of one-time storage, which will not only increase the shelf life of domestic products and sell them in the off-season, but also significantly reduce the share of food waste and agricultural losses during storage and sale products, as well as increase the added value of products,” says Natalya Khudyakova, head of the Center for Macroeconomic and Regional Analysis and Forecasting of the Russian Agricultural Bank.
Improving the storage conditions of products directly affects the reduction of food waste. Increasing the volume of storage facilities for trade organizations, reconstruction and modernization of obsolete storage facilities will reduce the negative impact on the environment by reducing overproduction and waste disposal costs.
“In Russia, the production cycle is characterized by higher levels of food waste than the sale of goods. However, it is retail that can make a significant contribution to the prevention of food waste. Retail chains, being in the value chain between producers, suppliers and consumers, can significantly reduce the amount of food waste generated, including by optimizing sales schemes, distribution channels and modernizing storage systems,” adds Natalia Khudyakova.