Novgorod strawberry farms are thriving thanks to increased government support and advanced growing technologies
In the Novgorod region, strawberry production is growing thanks to strong government support and innovative farming methods. The 2023 harvest in the region’s farms amounted to 62.4 tons. As warmer days approach, farmers are preparing for a critical crop care period.
In recent years, there has been a surge in strawberry growing in the Novgorod region, fueled by initiatives from both the public and private sectors. The Ministry of Agriculture of the Novgorod Region reported a significant strawberry harvest of 62.4 tons in 2023. This indicates a positive trend in agricultural production in the region, reflecting growing interest and investment in growing berries.
Government support and participation of farmers
The regional government actively supports entrepreneurs involved in growing berries. According to the Minister of Agriculture of the Novgorod Region, Viktor Vitvitsky, state support for these farmers is growing. Farmers are increasingly participating in grant competitions and receiving subsidies to cover part of the costs associated with planting and caring for perennial crops.
Since 2022, two agricultural producers have received subsidies totaling 3.8 million rubles on an area of 21.9 hectares. In addition, four farmers previously received grants for growing strawberries and honeysuckle worth almost 7 million rubles. In 2024, three entrepreneurs won the Agrostartup grant competition, receiving a total of 9.64 million rubles, which will be used to cultivate another 9.6 hectares of land.
Case: Sergei Kovalev’s Farm
A striking example of success in growing strawberries is the project of Sergei Kovalev in the village of Sergovo, Novgorod region. He launched his project with a focus on growing plants both outdoors and in greenhouses using intensive farming techniques. Kovalev became the winner of the Agrostartup competition in 2020, receiving 3 million rubles for the construction of greenhouses and the purchase of seedlings.
His farm now grows up to nine varieties of strawberries, four of which produce fruit throughout the summer and into late fall. Most of the seedlings are produced in-house, although new varieties are introduced periodically to replenish the stock. Kovalev expects to receive the first harvest of the year in early June.
Kovalev is confident in the prospects for growing strawberries at the 58th parallel. He notes that long summer days and plenty of sunshine contribute to the superior sweetness of the strawberries compared to strawberries grown further south in Krasnodar.
Innovative practices and community engagement
The farm covers an area of 10 hectares, of which 2.5 hectares are greenhouses. Last season, the farm produced and sold 18.5 tons of strawberries, which are popular among local residents and have established sales channels. In 2023, the farm introduced a self-pick practice, allowing visitors to pick their own strawberries. This initiative not only solves the problem of labor shortage, but also attracts the public with many people coming from different areas to participate.
Seasonal workers can earn from 5,000 to 7,000 rubles per day if they have the necessary skills and knowledge of picking berries.
The Kovalev farm is a family business in which all family members actively participate. He believes in the value of involving children in farming from an early age, preparing them to become capable leaders in the future.
