In the Ivanovo region, a farmer is implementing an innovative year-round strawberry cultivation project thanks to government support.

Targeted government support for small agribusinesses is stimulating the development and creation of farms in rural areas.
This was announced by Olga Kislyakova, Deputy DIRECTOR of the Regional Department of Agriculture and Food, during a working visit to the Ivanovo District on Thursday, April 3.
"This year, the amount of funding for supporting farming and cooperatives amounts to 173 million rubles. In March, we summarized the results of the competitive selection of recipients of the Agrostartup grants, and 16 aspiring farmers received grants to develop their businesses. Applications for participation in the competitive selection for grants for the development of family farms are being accepted until April 16. Additionally, starting this year, the Agromotivator grant will be introduced for entrepreneurs who are combat veterans and participants in special military operations; 6.5 million rubles have been allocated in the regional budget for this purpose," Olga Kislyakova noted.
In the Ivanovo district, Olga Kislyakova visited the farm of entrepreneur Semyon Shvetsov, who is developing indoor strawberry production with funds from an Agrostartup grant. This year, the entrepreneur was one of the winners of the competitive selection process: he submitted a project for year-round strawberry cultivation and received a grant of 3.8 million rubles.
According to Igor Kashmanov, the farm's executive director , the project involves launching an automated greenhouse for year-round strawberry cultivation. The innovative project is being implemented in an 800-square-meter greenhouse. The greenhouse is equipped with electricity, gas, and water. Test production is currently underway in one half of the greenhouse, with approximately 5,000 strawberry bushes planted using aerohydroponics technology. The cultivation technology is being refined. "The bulk of the grant will go toward automating the production processes and packaging of the strawberries. "We also plan to purchase a diesel generator with an emergency power supply system for life support systems, coolers, and other equipment," noted a farm representative.
Plans include doubling the number of seedlings. Upon reaching design capacity, the farm plans to produce 5 tons of berries per year. This year, the berries will be supplied to restaurants and cafes in the region, and as volumes increase, to retail chains. Furthermore, the farm will organize berry processing, producing candied fruit and marmalade.