Reorganisation at Belarusian farms may reduce state subsidies to agriculture

The draft Agricultural Development Programme until 2020, envisages reorganisation of unprofitable agricultural enterprises. As of July 2015, over 65% of agricultural enterprises were unprofitable without the state support and return on sales for the industry as a whole was negative. If the draft is adopted, loss-making enterprises will be reorganised and merged with farms. The state support will decrease due to reduced number of unprofitable enterprises. In addition, employment in agriculture will reduce due to the automation of processes. The authorities anticipate these measures to lead to a better variety of fruit and vegetables on the market and to the reduced food imports.