The importance of switching to domestic seeds: experiments, exports, and combating counterfeiting - key points in overcoming the challenges of the seed market.

Celebrating the importance of transitioning to domestic seeds, Mark Gecht, managing partner of the breeding and seed company Ruseed, emphasized the need to convey the value of this transition to the ultimate consumers - agricultural producers. He noted that it is important to establish close interaction with breeders, farmers, and processors, as well as to use various sales channels. Gecht highlighted the importance of experiments, the introduction of new marketing methods, such as online stores and marketplaces, as well as working on product quality and expertise of sales managers and consultants. He also emphasized the need to apply advanced foreign practices in domestic breeding of agricultural crops in the shortest possible time.

Gecht expressed optimism regarding import substitution and food security, noting a positive trend in this area. He expressed hope that the successes in this field will continue and food safety standards will be achieved even ahead of schedule. The main thing is to carry out high-quality promotion of domestic breeding of agricultural crops.

Igor Lobach, Chairman of the Board of the "National Seed Alliance" Association, reminded that the Ministry of Agriculture plans to maintain quotas for imported seeds from unfriendly countries in 2025. The sizes of quotas will depend on the availability of domestic seeds. Lobach believes that quotas for corn seeds should be zero, and for sunflower seeds - should strive for zero.

Lobach also noted that counterfeit and fake products continue to play a negative role in the seed market. He mentioned that the share of counterfeits is decreasing but still remains high. The significant problem is the counterfeit of foreign selection seeds.

Nevertheless, the development of domestic seed production requires export development. Lobach emphasized that Russia has always exported seeds, even in difficult times. He noted that Russia successfully exports seeds of various crops, including to countries in the near abroad, Africa, and Latin America. Export helps to free the market from excess production and confirms the competitiveness of domestic seeds. Lobach highlighted that the export of sugar beet seeds to Egypt has been ongoing for three years, indicating their competitiveness.