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

The formation and use of stabilization funds during the inter-seasonal period of 2023-2024 was discussed at a republican meeting held in the agro-town of Novka, Vitebsk District.

Representatives of the regional government, district executive committees, vegetable producers, and retail chains participated in the discussion of this important issue concerning the country's food security.

– In each region, we gather farmers, representatives of agricultural enterprises, and establish a dialogue platform with trade organizations – both national and regional chains. The latter's demand for fruits and vegetables increases significantly during the inter-seasonal period. The government pays special attention to this issue – preserving what has been grown, storing it, and selling it fresh to the public. 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 strive to earn from exports. However, 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, is expected to store 16 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables – the so-called "borscht set" – plus apples. The Minister pointed out that since last year, trade organizations have been oriented towards selling domestic fruits and vegetables.

Before the meeting, participants familiarized themselves with samples of produce 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. All storage facilities have been repaired, certified, and are ready to receive produce. Vitebsk will be supplied with vegetables, – assured the director of "Rudakovo," Andrei Benko.

One of the enterprise's main partners is the "Vesta" retail chain. According to the director of this joint-stock company, Reyman Veniaminov, "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 harvested less beetroot, cabbage, and carrots. But there is still time to rectify the situation. What is insufficient will be procured by consumer cooperatives from the population and farmers. A well-established scheme is already in place 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 the Deputy Chairperson 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.

vitebsk-region.gov.by