Issues of formation and use of stabilization funds were discussed at a republican meeting in the Vitebsk region

The formation and use of stabilization funds during the off-season period of 2023-2024 were discussed at a republican meeting in the agro-town of Novka, Vitebsk district.

Representatives of the regional authorities, 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 – republican 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 familiarized themselves with product samples 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 good. We traditionally grow vegetables both in open and closed ground. 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. All storage facilities have been repaired, certified, and are ready to receive products. We will supply Vitebsk with vegetables, – assured the director of "Rudakovo," Andrei Benko.

One of the main partners of the enterprise is the "Vesta" retail chain. According to the director of this joint-stock company, Reiman Veniaminov, "Vesta" always prefers domestic products, focusing on two main indicators – quality and price.

– The Vitebsk region is procuring 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 shortfall in beets, cabbage, and carrots. But there is still time to rectify the situation. What is insufficient will be procured by consumer cooperatives from the public and farmers. A well-established scheme for supplying educational and healthcare institutions is already in place. An important issue is the readiness of storage facilities. All have passed certification and meet the necessary requirements, – said the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Anzhelika Nikitina.

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 supply contracts.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by