Arkhangelsk Region Kicks Off Potato Harvest with First 50 Tons Stored, Aiming for Full Local Supply

Farmers in the Arkhangelsk region (Pomorye) have begun harvesting the new potato crop, with the first 50 tons already secured in storage facilities. This year, agricultural producers aim to collect 23,000 tons—a volume sufficient to meet regional demand throughout the entire season, eliminating dependence on imports from other areas. The earliest operations started in the Kholmogory district, which concentrates nearly half of the region’s potato acreage—about 700 hectares out of a total 1,400 hectares dedicated to the crop. Governor Alexander Tsybulsky announced that more than 30 enterprises, peasant farms, and agricultural cooperatives are involved in commercial potato production, supported by 40 specialized storage units with a combined capacity of 32,000 tons. Currently, early varieties are being harvested for pre-orders, while mass collection is scheduled to begin in late August and continue through mid-October. Fresh local potatoes are already appearing on store shelves, providing consumers with high-quality produce at stable prices.

To strengthen the sector, the regional government has allocated 17.5 million rubles this year to stimulate production, support seed breeding, offset agrochemical costs, and fund storage construction. These investments help farms modernize infrastructure and maintain price stability, ensuring that the region’s potato supply remains resilient and self-sufficient. The timely start of the harvest, combined with adequate storage capacity and government backing, positions Pomorye to weather market fluctuations and climatic uncertainties, reinforcing food security while showcasing the potential of northern agriculture when supported by targeted policy and modern agronomic practices.