66 / SEEDWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2019 located at the Vavilov Institute, also in St. Petersburg. Olson adds that this center remains the world's most important repository of seed genetic material. “Despite the existence of such a center, most seed selection programs in Russia closed after the collapse of the USSR,” Olson explains. “Seed selection is a long and complicated process. “For example, a commercially success- ful white cabbage hybrid requires about 20 years to create.” To restore this sector of agriculture in Russia, Olson says large investments and state support are needed. Rijk Zwaan is one of the largest seed players in the Russian market. According to the company’s own statistics, it annu- ally sells about 2 billion seed units of about 25 vegetable crops in the local market, with plans to increase these figures in due course. “At the moment, we do not produce seeds in the country,” Olson says. “But we constantly analyze the opportunities that exist within the market.” Rijk Zwaan isn’t the only multina- tional company with business in Russia. Syngenta also does business there, and has invested more than 1 billion rubles, or $20 million, in the creation of a scientific infrastructure in Russia in the field of seed selection, according to a press officer at Syngenta’s Russia and CIS office. This research and development sta- tion, located in Krasnodar (a city in the southern part of the country), recently received a status of certified international laboratory within the global corporate structure of the company. In addition to research and develop- ment activities, researchers here will work to adapt seed selection technologies operated by the company to Russian conditions. According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Patrushev, many of the global seed companies have preferred investments in places such as Africa, Latin America or China, where labor costs are lower and the climate is milder. However, Patrushev says there is the possibility that this situation will change, and Russia will become their other destination of choice. Enticing Foreign Investment As part of their development blueprint, the Russian government plans to provide serious benefits to foreign investors who are interested in contributing funds for improved seed selection. Patrushev adds that priority will be given to those companies that establish seed breeding centers within the country. That could be in the form of tax, customs and other benefits. Additionally, he says the government will place orders to purchase their products for its needs. SW According to Patrushev, the Russian government plans to provide serious benefits to foreign investors who are interested in contributing funds for improved seed selection. Download the Seed World Mobile App For Free! DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID Scan the code with your mobile device to download our app! Scan the code with your mobile device to download our app! Stay connected and engaged with all the latest news trending in the global seed industry. Features: Easy click or swipe menu navigation iOS and Android mobile and tablet versions Current stories at a glance Enlarged text for easy reading ü ü ü ü