Procurement organizations buy watermelons. According to Oksana Skinder, watermelon has already become a traditional crop grown on a large scale not only by residents of the southern regions such as Brest Oblast and Gomel Oblast but also in other regions. Today, the organization is also purchasing apricots, melons, various plum varieties, and both green and pink grapes. 

«Grapes are becoming a crop in high demand among shoppers in Minsk and especially in regional centers,» she noted.

Oksana Skinder noted that, as part of import substitution efforts, producers in Stolin District have been expanding their acreage under sweet corn in recent years. 

«Just last year alone, procurement organizations purchased over 20 tonnes of sweet corn from residents of Brest Oblast, which was then sold to the public across Belarus. This product is competitive, holds its own against imported sweet corn, and, as it turns out, is in high demand in retail,» she emphasized

To date, over 320 tonnes of garden strawberries have been procured, with more than 70% being market-grade berries sold through the retail network and consumer cooperative markets. Over 90 tonnes of blueberries, 2,800 tonnes of cucumbers (sold fresh), and more than 1,700 tonnes of tomatoes have been purchased. In addition, over 100 tonnes of stone fruits have been procured and sold fresh through the retail network, along with more than 50 tonnes of currants and over 30 tons of blueberries. More than 9 tonnes of mushrooms have also been bought and sold. 

«Mushrooms are mostly sold fresh at markets in Minsk and regional cities,» Oksana Skinder said.She added that the export of wild-harvested produce has begun. According to her, the departure of European buyers has significantly affected both the harvesting of wild berries in Belarus and procurement prices. «Today wild-harvested produce is mainly sold fresh on the Belarusian market, while processed products are supplied to Russia,» she said.