In Russia, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs (SMEs) may leave the potato and vegetable open field market in 2022 due to rising prices for seeds, fertilizers and equipment. This opinion was expressed by Sergey Lupekhin, chairman of the Union of Potato and Vegetable Market Participants.

"They (SMEs) simply will not be able to buy expensive fertilizers, expensive seeds and pay for expensive equipment, which is rising in price. They will be better off not to deal with potatoes and vegetables in the open field, but, for example, with grain and oil crops," the expert fears.

At the same time large companies will not be able to replace the departure of small and medium-sized farmers from the market within such a short period of time, Lupekhin believes.

The expert stressed that measures need to be taken now so that small and medium businesses will be able to provide themselves with the necessary resources to continue production of potatoes next season.

The federal project to support the production of vegetables and potatoes is due to come into effect in 2022.

Made in Russia / Made in Russia

Author: Maria Buzanakova