Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Russian tomato producers incurring losses
As Fruit-Inform Project was reported, farmers from Russia's Southern Federal District faced troubles with tomato sales this week. Producers conducting direct business with processors are in better situation, although there are only few of them. As to the fresh market, the demand for tomatoes remains quite low. Furthermore, the situation is almost critical in some Russian regions. For example, farmers of Astrakhan region report of full absence of purchasers' interest, and prices fell to RUB 3-4/kg (EUR 0.07-0.10/kg) at some farms. Producers think of business being inept under such conditions, as only harvesting costs account for 35-40% of prices fixed as of August 31. Therefore many farmers prefer to leave tomatoes unharvested and plan either not to produce them next year, or reduce planted areas considerably.
The detailed assessment of Russia's production and prices for tomatoes and other major vegetables and fruits will be presented by Fruit-Inform Project's analysts exclusively for participants of the Fourth International Conference “Fruit & Vegetable Business of Russia – 2011”. The event will take place in conjunction with World Food Moscow, September 14, 2011. Registration of the conference participants is currently in active progress.