— What are the results of last year in the agriculture of northwestern Federal district? Is there growth in the industry? How do You assess prospects?

In St.-Petersburg and Leningrad region there are several large farms targeted for development. They are working on the construction of new courts, increasing livestock numbers, improving conditions in General, including in the field of machinery.

However the past year due to adverse weather conditions (prolonged rainfall) has been severe. And at a time when some livestock farms were able to fulfill or even partially exceeded the plan, there were those who strongly did not reach planned targets. In vegetable production, in turn, the situation was even more serious: the loss of some farms amounted to 80%. Sometimes a crop had to be picked by hand as the equipment could not go out in the field. A lot of the crop was simply left in the field until the new plowing.
 

— Whether there are government programs to support agricultural industries? If Yes, how have they influenced the market?

— Of course, there are such programmes. In particular, programs for the purchase of agricultural machinery. For example, the RF Government Resolution No. 1432 "On approval of Rules for granting subsidies to the producers of agricultural machinery". There is also support from the Leningrad region Administration in the form of programs that allow you to return up to 35% of the equipment cost depending on its destination.

For example, in a combine harvester the return can be up to 3-3,5 mln. Farmers, thus, can acquire equipment leasing, almost receiving your first payment back.

Also, through this program, farmers have the opportunity to purchase the equipment at the new prices, which is very important for suppliers in the current economic situation.

— What are the key trends in agriculture in Saint-Petersburg and the Leningrad region?

— There is a tendency to use domestic producers of imported equipment. For example, to replace the same telehandler Manitou domestic brand at present is not possible, as the market just isn't there Russian counterparts.

Photo: Manitou