Despite years of promises and rising import costs, Russia's flower market remains almost entirely dependent on foreign suppliers. According to Rosstat, the average price of a single cut flower rose by nearly 20% over the past year.
Imports still account for around 80% of flowers sold nationwide. To reduce that figure even modestly, the industry says it would need to double its capacity, launching over 400 hectares of greenhouses by 2030. But business is stalled, waiting on government support.
While interest in domestic flower cultivation has grown, especially as logistics for imported goods have worsened under sanctions, the costs of building or even modernizing greenhouse facilities remain prohibitive.
New construction runs up to 350 million rubles per hectare; renovations, though cheaper, currently receive no state incentives.
Producers are holding back nearly 150 hectares of potential greenhouse land, unsure whether support for upgrades will materialize. Existing producers sit in limbo, subsidies apply only to new construction.
Although floriculture output has grown more than 50% in five years, Russia still relies on imports from Ecuador, Kenya, Colombia, and Europe.
In 2024, 436.8 million cut flowers and buds were produced domestically, 3–5% more than the previous year. Roses account for the largest share, followed by tulips, chrysanthemums, gerberas, lilies, and seedling flowers.
The Ministry of Agriculture is now "considering" assistance for upgrades, but no timelines or guarantees have been offered.
In parallel, the industry is working to localize equipment production. Despite many greenhouses being equipped to global standards, dependence on Western technology remains high. A shift to Russian or Chinese equipment is underway, but slower than needed, and in some cases, still lacking critical capabilities.
One of the remaining gaps is in plant breeding, most flower planting material is still imported.
Source: mashnews.ru