The International Potato Tour continues its journey across Russia’s key agricultural regions. At the Agroprodmash Ural exhibition in Yekaterinburg, the Potatoes News team met with Tatiana Gubina, Head of the Executive Office of the Potato Union of Russia, to discuss the current state of the potato industry, upcoming events, and the sector’s development priorities.
“Working in the Union’s executive office is a shared responsibility and teamwork. We have strong mutual support and good interchangeability. Everyone is in their place,” said Tatiana Gubina.
Ural becomes an emerging potato hub
According to Gubina, the Agroprom Ural exhibition has grown beyond its regional scope and is now a significant national platform bringing together producers, processors, and researchers from across the Ural, Siberian, and Central regions of Russia.
She also highlighted the importance of the region’s scientific potential. During her visit to the Ural Research Institute of Agriculture, Gubina noted that it holds valuable breeding materials and genetic resources.
“It’s a real treasure trove of potato genetics. I recommend all colleagues to visit and choose their own ‘diamonds and emeralds’ while they’re still available,” she said.
The House of Potato – the main event of January
One of the key topics of the interview was the upcoming event “The House of Potato”, which will be held in January as part of the Agravia exhibition. This year’s edition promises to be more dynamic and engaging than ever.
“The House of Potato is a place where the entire industry comes together face to face. The first day will mark the 15th anniversary of the Potato Union, the second will focus on retail chains, and the third on chefs and culinary tastings. It’s not only a business forum but also a celebration of taste and collaboration,” Gubina emphasized.
The event will feature culinary master classes, tastings of potato and vegetable varieties, and direct networking between producers, retailers, and processors.
Market challenges and opportunities
According to Gubina, the Russian potato sector is undergoing a transitional period. Price fluctuations, subsidy adjustments, and the growing role of digital regulation systems such as FGIS are reshaping the business landscape.
“If we as an industry don’t regulate ourselves now, there will simply be no one else to do it,” she noted.
Next meetings – YugAgro and the House of Potato
Tatiana Gubina invited industry colleagues to meet at the YugAgro exhibition in Krasnodar (November 20–21) and later at the House of Potato in January, where the Potato Union will celebrate its 15th anniversary.
Watch the full interview as part of the
International Potato Tour on Potatoes.News and across the project’s social media platforms:
