Russia's greenhouse vegetable exports have increased significantly, helping to diversify the agricultural economy

Russia's greenhouse vegetable exports have increased significantly, helping to diversify the agricultural economy
Moscow, June 2025 - In recent years, Russia has made breakthrough progress in the field of greenhouse agriculture, especially in the export of cucumbers and tomatoes. With the steady increase in domestic greenhouse vegetable production, Russia has not only achieved self-sufficiency, but also actively explored the international market and became one of the important suppliers to the European vegetable market.

According to the latest data from the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, Russia's total greenhouse vegetable production will reach 1.6 million tons in 2024, an increase of 200,000 tons over last year. This increase is mainly due to the country's strong investment and policy support in greenhouse construction. Especially in the Far East, the government has introduced a number of incentives to attract a large number of investors to participate in the construction of greenhouse complexes, effectively reducing dependence on imported vegetables and driving down local vegetable prices.
Cucumber exports have become a highlight, and market share continues to expand
Russia's cucumber exports are particularly eye-catching. Since 2013, Russia's cucumber production has increased from 392,000 tons to 830,000 tons, an increase of more than 100%. At the same time, domestic consumption has also increased from 616,000 tons to 935,000 tons. Imports have dropped significantly, from 224,000 tons in 2013 to 45,000 to 55,000 tons in 2021, with a market share of 95%. Russian cucumbers have quickly occupied the European market with their price advantage and high quality, and the main exporting countries include Belarus, Ukraine and Poland. The wholesale price of one euro per kilogram gives Russian cucumbers a clear advantage in the competition, which is much lower than the price of cucumbers produced locally in Europe.
Tomato exports are gradually increasing, and the goal of self-sufficiency is in sight
Although the import substitution process of tomatoes is relatively slow, Russia has also made significant progress in tomato production. In recent years, tomato imports have dropped from 800,000 tons at its peak to 400,000 tons, with an import substitution rate of 65%. The Russian Federation Ministry of Agriculture predicts that with the commissioning of more greenhouse projects, Russia will further increase its tomato self-sufficiency rate and reduce its dependence on external markets by the end of 2025.
Policy support and international cooperation drive
In the process of promoting the development of greenhouse agriculture, the Russian government has introduced a series of support policies, including providing financial subsidies, technical guidance and infrastructure construction. Especially in the Far East, the government is committed to creating an attractive investment environment to attract domestic and foreign companies to participate in the construction of greenhouse complexes. In addition, Russia has also strengthened agricultural cooperation with Europe and other countries to enhance the international competitiveness of its agricultural products through technical exchanges and market development.
Expert opinion: Greenhouse agriculture helps diversify the economy
Agricultural experts pointed out that the rapid development of greenhouse agriculture not only ensures Russia's food security, but also promotes the diversification of the agricultural economy. Through the efficient use of modern technology, Russian greenhouse agriculture not only increases production, but also ensures the high quality and stable supply of products, injecting new impetus into farmers' income and local economic development.
Conclusion
With the continuous promotion of greenhouse technology and the continuous strengthening of policy support, Russian agriculture is moving towards a more modern and sustainable development path. In the future, Russia is expected to achieve self-sufficiency in more agricultural products and occupy a larger share in the international market, injecting new vitality into the global agricultural supply chain.