Russia, Moscow, VDNH,
agrofarm@vdnh.ruOn November 26–27, the 6th International Agricultural Dairy Forum took place in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region; within the framework of partnership the hosts of the AGROFARM exhibition took part in it. The main issues of the Forum, such as: the place of the Russian dairy industry in the world market and ways to increase the efficiency and competitive performance of domestic industries – automatically fall into the AGROFARM field of interest, since the industry forum at VDNH annually brings together Russian and foreign manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and technologies, breeding material for all sectors of livestock breeding, including the dairy industry, as well as experts of agricultural holdings and farms on its venues.
A constructive dialogue between the AGROFARM 2020 steering committee and the Minister of Agriculture of Moscow Region Andrei Razin took place within the framework of the Forum. The Minister noted the increased interest in dairy products and stated the need to enhance milk consumption throughout the country on the whole. In his opinion, this can be achieved, provided we consistently pursue a policy of a balanced presence of small and medium-sized enterprises and large agro-holdings in the market.
“We cannot possibly rely on major manufacturers only,” he said. “A major manufacturer implies mass production that is constriction of the product line and a certain minimization of costs. It is affordable and reasonably balanced regarding quality. But at the same time, it means that every product sold lacks the warmth of hands. While farmers are people who live on the soil and put their heart and soul in every product. For instance, you can never find one the same cheese produced by different farmers, it will always be a sample of their own. Therefore, we certainly support both farmers and large-scale producers. Within the framework of the state program a large amount of funds from the regional budget is allotted to support farming in Moscow Region – that is because we believe: success is based on balanced development of the market.”
When asked about imported equipment which is mainly present at dairy farms, and rather vague prospects for its supplies and maintenance under sanctions, Andrei Razin stated that he saw there no problems for farmers, for the current situation is more likely to affect them in a positive way: “The market is highly competitive, and the market is not limited to the European Union, it is a number of other manufacturing countries that may be not so well known in Russia, but generally feel quite comfortable in the world. Obviously, not a single major suppliers of dairy equipment is thinking of minimizing its presence in the Russian Federation, since it is beneficial for them.”
In this respect, he shared some plans regarding localization of production for leading companies providing integrated solutions and systems for dairy farming in Moscow Region: “We have negotiated those issues. DeLaval, and Lely, and GEA – these enterprises in Moscow Region are to some extent there today: take, for instance, GEA that produces stall equipment in the vicinities of Moscow. However, localization is a complicated process because the most valuable thing is technology. I believe, in the future we will find opportunities to come to an agreement with some of the three major dairy producers.”
For their part, the AGROFARM hosts support the idea of localizing the production of equipment that is in demand with Russian agricultural producers and are planning to develop this prospects within the framework of the upcoming industry forum which will be traditionally held in exhibition hall 75 of VDNH Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy.
We are looking forward to meeting you at the AGROFARM exhibition that will last from February 4 to February 6, 2020!
