"Onega owes potatoes to Belarusian farmers and collective farms

Onega Group of Companies confirmed the existence of debts to suppliers. "At the moment the debts of one of the group companies to farmers exist. Cases have been sent to enforcement proceedings. The group of companies does not give up its obligations," Onega told TUT.BY, but did not disclose the amount of the debt.

 

The company noted that they have taken a number of steps to settle relations with farmers: proposals were sent to discuss contracting options for 2019-2020.

 

"Unfortunately, we did not receive a response. We are open to negotiations, ready to meet in person and discuss with farmers and representatives of collective farms the prospects for development and possible solutions. The most important thing that is necessary for the development of cooperation is personal communication and discussion of all existing issues with farmers and development of solutions. Both sides are interested in developing cooperation," Onega explained. "We are aimed at a phased development of cooperation with farmers who are ready to supply potatoes for the production of chips, observe the quality, delivery deadlines, volumes and other important criteria," the company added.

 

According to one of the suppliers of vegetable products, in this story - the truth is in the middle.[ADD-Y]

 

- One can understand farmers, they have not been paid, so they do not want to cooperate. Trust has been lost. It is not clear how the new owner will behave. No one will risk investing in special potato varieties. On the other hand, the requirements for suppliers are also quite high. For example, there are sanctions for failure to supply. I am not sure that our collective farms are ready for them. In neighboring countries, everything is much better with this," explained the interlocutor.

 

We shall remind you that in August 2018 Onega Group of Companies got a new owner. It was Oleg Baranovsky, co-owner of the chain of stores "Hippo" and "Belmarket," who agreed with the main banks-creditors to come to the chips factory. At that moment the enterprises of Onega Group of Companies were in a difficult financial situation. Baranovsky restructured within the group, changed the management and allocated 3 million rubles "to give Onega its second life".