Potatoes, known as the "second bread" of Belarus, are a traditional crop cultivated by both large farms and smallholders.
However, since 2022, potato prices have been regulated by the government, which, according to farmers, is reducing profitability and hindering the development of the industry.
Dmitry Malinovsky, deputy head of the farming enterprise "Diana," believes that prices should be regulated by the market, as long-term government intervention leads to losses. Stabilization fund systems, meant to help producers, create additional burdens with extensive reporting and inspections, while retailers are not obligated to select products from these reserves.
The farm is export-oriented, with its main market being Russia. However, in recent years, the profitability of exports has decreased due to external political circumstances. Additionally, competition from Russian farmers, who receive significant subsidies, adds pressure on Belarusian producers.
Source: officelife.media