The project to create the Novgorod eco-complex "Taste of Honey Life" has been selected to receive the "Agrotourism" grant

Novgorod beekeeper Anton Zherebtsov has won the competitive selection for the 2026 Agrotourism grant aimed at developing rural tourism!
A grant of 10 million rubles will be received for the implementation of the project "Ecocomplex "Taste of Honey Life". This project not only promotes the development of agritourism in the region, but also contributes to the implementation of the national project "Technological Support of Food Security", supporting domestic producers and expanding opportunities for the promotion of high-quality natural products. The
project includes the construction of a "Beekeeper's House". Guests of the apiary will be able to enjoy nature, try high-quality beekeeping products, take part in master classes on the production of honey gingerbread, and also learn a lot about the life of bees.
"We see great potential in the development of agritourism in our region. The project "Ecocomplex "Taste of Honey Life"" is an excellent example of how to combine beekeeping traditions with modern trends in tourism. I am confident that the new eco-complex will become a point of attraction for tourists who want to get acquainted with the unique culture of honey production and enjoy the beauty of Novgorod nature. Supporting such projects is an important part of our work to develop rural areas and ensure food security in the region," he said.Minister of Agriculture of the Novgorod Region Viktor Vitvitsky.
Anton Zherebtsov is a young and active farmer , a hereditary beekeeper, his father has been engaged in bees for many years. In 2018, he realized the idea of ​​​​uniting farms engaged in beekeeping, created and headed the Novgorod Apiary cooperative, which included 6 farms. Since 2020, excursions have been held on the territory of the apiary. Visitors get acquainted with the features of keeping, the life of bees, and take part in the process of pumping out honey. Excursion services are provided all year round - in winter, agrotourists participate in the technological process of producing honey products and their subsequent packaging. Tourists are attracted by master classes on the production of cream honey, honey printed gingerbread and processing of wax products with the subsequent production of wax figured candles.
"This support is a huge incentive for development! Thanks to the grant, we will be able to significantly expand the capabilities of our apiary, create comfortable conditions for receiving tourists and offer them an unforgettable experience. We plan not only to build the "Beekeeper's House", but also to organize interactive programs so that each guest can feel like a part of our large bee family. We want to show that beekeeping is not just a job , it is a whole culture closely connected with the nature and traditions of our region," said Anton Zherebtsov.
The Agrotourism grant competition was established by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture in 2021 as part of the federal project "Development of Rural Tourism". Every year, business projects of farmers in the Novgorod Region are selected and receive money for development. Anton Zherebtsov's project is already the fifth in the region. With the help of a federal grant, farmers in the Batetsky, Novgorodsky, Parfinsky and Valdai districts are developing rural recreation programs based on dairy and MEAT production, pond farming and a reindeer farm.