The 2nd Open Russia Greenhouse Debate and Networking Evening 2018 was held on 14 June in Amsterdam and brought together 100+ companies from all over the world, interested in working in the Russian greenhouse industry. The list of participants included the world leading companies such as Signify, Prins Group, Van Der Valk, Rufepa, BG Global, Barre, Novarbo, Mayer, Novavert, AGC, Cultilene, NGS, Toumaco Services, Pellikaan and many others.
This House believes that the Russian greenhouse industry will keep developing beyond 2020.
- Proposition: Petr Korzun, Deputy Head, the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Opposition: Irina Birman, Director, AGRO-INNOVATION MEDIA
- Moderator: Pieter Vaandrager, Senior Policy Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality
Petr Korzun (the proposition) described the opportunities for receiving the support from the Russian government for facilitating the development of greenhouse projects. He also mentioned that CEOs of Russian greenhouses prefer equipment manufacturers from the Netherlands and other European countries, relying on their extensive experience and field expertise. Petr encouraged international companies to localize the production in Russia to obtain the resident status and the state support, as the 2030 government support strategy includes such initiatives as property obtaining support, tax incentives, special conditions for purchasing, reduction of administrative barriers, and access to the technologies.
Irina Birman (the opposition) discussed the risks and prospects of the Russian horticulture market beyond 2020. The most important risks she mentioned include lack of financing and professional knowledge, as well as logistics challenges. Summing up the presentation, Irina pointed out that even though certain market risks exist, there are tools to overcome them. Irina described several prospects of horticulture sector development in Russia, namely urban farming, hydroponics, hortilogistics, etc.
At the end of the debate, the audience had an opportunity to ask the speakers questions regarding the state support of Russian hortibusiness, guarantees the Russian government provides for foreign investors, localization of business in Russia and many others.
Before and after the debate the participants were asked to agree or disagree with the motion “Russian greenhouse industry will keep developing beyond 2020.” And the results are as follows:
- Pre-debate: 94% - agree, 6% - disagree
- Post-debate: 96% - agree, 4% - disagree
You are invited to join 500+ CEOs and top decision-makers of the Russian and CIS greenhouse industry at the 3rd International Investment Forum and Exhibition “Greenhouse Complexes Russia 2018” (5-6 December 2018, Moscow).
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