A transformative greenhouse initiative led by JSC Teplichnoye, backed by the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC), has been added to the list of priority projects for the Sverdlovsk region. This ambitious undertaking was recently presented during the Days of Sverdlovsk Region at the Federation Council in Moscow, with local authorities seeking federal support to secure its success.
The project involves the construction of an innovative 13.66-hectare greenhouse complex, equipped with its own energy center. Scheduled for 2025–2026, this facility aims to increase the region’s production of greenhouse vegetables by 10,000 tons annually, reaching a total output of 35,000 tons. Currently, the Sverdlovsk region meets 38% of its population’s demand for greenhouse vegetables; this project will raise self-sufficiency to nearly 50%.
Challenges and the Need for Federal Support
While the project promises significant economic and social benefits, its realization depends on federal subsidies. JSC Teplichnoye seeks access to preferential loans under Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture programs, but the allocation of such funds has historically favored Far Eastern regions.
Ilya Bondarev, General Director of JSC Teplichnoye and Vice Speaker of the Yekaterinburg City Duma, emphasized the importance of these loans. “Federal support will be critical to achieving our goal of food security and sustaining greenhouse vegetable production on this scale,” he noted on social media.
A Broader Economic Impact
Beyond food production, the project will contribute to regional development by creating jobs and reducing dependency on imported vegetables. The complex aligns with Russia’s broader strategy to strengthen local agricultural industries, ensuring fresh, high-quality produce reaches consumers faster than imported alternatives.
Complementary Regional Initiatives
The Days of Sverdlovsk Region also showcased other major projects, including transportation infrastructure upgrades and urban development plans. However, the greenhouse initiative stands out as a cornerstone for addressing one of the region’s most pressing issues: food security and sustainable agricultural growth.
The planned greenhouse complex near Yekaterinburg is a beacon of innovation and ambition for the Sverdlovsk region. By significantly boosting local vegetable production and reducing dependency on external sources, it addresses both immediate and long-term food security challenges. With federal support, this initiative could set a national benchmark for sustainable agricultural practices and regional self-reliance.