With 850 hectare being realised in the last and currently 150 hectare being built, Russia will next year reach the acreage of 1,000 hectares. That news was shared by Tamara Reshetnikova, general director of Growth Technology, during the second day of the event International Greenhouse Complexes Russia and CIS countries.
Now that the acreage has grown, new challenges for growers have risen. Even though the market is not self sufficient yet, the grown acreage also means the competition amongst growers has grown. On top of that Russia still imports many vegetables and although the growers claim the Russia grown product is better and fresher, they do have to deal with this.
In order to help growers with these challenges, the focus was on production optimisation on the second day of the conference. The use of (LED) lights, the use of automation systems to better production and energy systems helping growers lower their investment costs were on the schedule.
Today will continue with the experiences of growers in this same topic and their experiences in bettering their position in the market with for example special packaging or brands - because also that is a way they are looking into to better the profitability of their company.
Tomorrow we'll update you with more photos of the event.