Fruit and vegetable cultivation decreases in Russia between 2004 and 2010

During the last few years Russia has become more and more an import market for fruit and vegetables. The own production clearly decreased, whilst import of fruit and vegetables increased sharply. Important trading partners are both countries in the region, such as Poland, Turkey, China and Uzbekistan as well as countries which are somewhat further away, such as the Netherlands, Israel, Ecuador and Argentina.

 

Fruit and vegetable cultivation in Russia

The total area of vegetables in Russia during the period 2004-2010 decreased form 945,000 HA to 759,000 HA, a decrease of 20%. The production of vegetables decreased by 11% from 14,809 to 13,233 million kgs in 2010. Especially the area and the production of cabbage decreased. The same development in the fruit cultivation can be seen. The area decreased by 43% and the production by 37%. With apples and pears both area and production were halved.

Import sharply increased

Whilst the production decreased imports sharply increased. In the period 2003-2010 imports of fresh vegetables into Russia increased by 91% from 1,220 to 2,327 million kgs. Especially more tomatoes and cucumber were imported. The import of fruit increased by 86% from 2,997 to 5,562 million kgs. Of practically all important fruit varieties more is imported. The increase was biggest with apples, mandarins, grapes and peaches.