A new breeding and seed production center has opened at the Yelets site of the Lipetsk SEZ.

The grand opening and commissioning of the Agrotek-Promcenter breeding and seed production center took place at the Yelets site of the Lipetsk SEZ. This is the final stage of the first phase of construction of the Agrotek Group's production complex. Investment in the project totaled approximately 2 billion rubles.
The breeding and seed production center is the central link in the full-cycle seed production chain—from the selection process to the final product—F1 seeds, elite varieties, and reproductive varieties. The complex's design capacity is 30,000 tons of seed per year. Most of the construction materials and the equipment for processing, cleaning, calibrating, and pre-sowing preparation of seeds are Russian-made, Agrotek noted.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Governor of the Lipetsk Region, the Lipetsk SEZ administration, and the company's management.
"The launch of this large breeding and seed production center is a strategic step in the development of the agro-industrial complex in the Lipetsk Region and across the country. This will provide farmers not only in our region but also in other regions with high-quality seed, significantly reducing import dependence and strengthening Russia's food security. The project is particularly significant for the development of the Yelets site of the Lipetsk SEZ, where an agricultural cluster is currently being formed, ranging from seed production to the production of crop protection products. And, undoubtedly, this strengthens our region's position as a leader in the domestic agricultural sector," noted Lipetsk Region Governor Igor Artamonov.
Agrotek is demonstrating strong results in key areas. High-quality domestic varieties and hybrids of priority crops—sunflower, corn, wheat, and soybeans—have already been obtained.Peas and flax. The breeding developments have been tested in various climatic zones of Russia, proving their effectiveness, sustainability, and high yield. They will be shipped to farmers across the country, from the South to the Far East.
"All commitments made by our company at the SPIEF in 2022 have been fulfilled precisely and on time—from the construction stage to commissioning. And although the center, as the final stage of the first phase, is just beginning to open, the operation of the entire complex has already demonstrated significant results in providing the country with high-quality seed material. And, of course, we are ready to move forward—scaling our capacity, expanding our team, and increasing the share of domestic seeds in the Russian market," said Nikolai Grushko, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Agrotek Group.
The breeding and seed center is designed and built so that with additional equipment, it can double its capacity. The company plans to continue developing the complex and, by 2029, build operational hubs for legumes and oilseeds, seeds, chemicals and fertilizers, corn processing facilities, and a fertilizer production complex. Additional investments will total 2.5 billion rubles.
The facility will increase not only its output but also its workforce. Currently, the production facility employs 80 specialists and laboratory workers, for whom a new workspace has been created, and additional hiring is planned with the expansion.
"A new facility always means new jobs, attracting young professionals, and developing the industry's human resources potential. Local residents, graduates of our educational institutions, and students have already joined the facility, and more will come. It's gratifying to see how the Yelets section of the special economic zone is growing, filling with factories and infrastructure facilities. The implementation of the Agrotek-Promcenter project takes the industrial site to another level of growth and strengthens its status as an agricultural cluster in the region. "Its development is of strategic importance not only for the Lipetsk Region but for the entire Central Federal District, as it directly contributes to the country's food security and helps attract investment in agricultural processing," noted Alexander Bazayev, General Director of the Lipetsk SEZ.
As part of the project, Agrotek Group is introducing innovative technologies into breeding and seed production. As part of the federal scientific and technical program for agricultural development, the company is working to develop new hybrids and varieties of corn and sunflower.