Agriculture has been a significant contributor to Belarus’s economy, employing almost 10% of its population and accounting for 7% of the nation’s GDP. The country’s abundant water resources and government-subsidized livestock priorities have supported this sector, but small landholdings still face challenges in competing in export markets. Supply chain gaps, complex ownership structures, and limited scale efficiencies hinder the sector’s ability to upgrade and target high-value produce categories like processed foods.
Despite these challenges, the agriculture sector in Belarus holds strategic turnaround potential. By attracting investments into cold storage connectivity infrastructure, linking far-flung farms to demand, Belarus can enhance its competitiveness in the global market. Technology partnerships with global agriculture corporates can improve potato and fodder yields, while logistics access partnerships with Belarusian economies can elevate exports over time. Additionally, skill development initiatives that ignite next-generation agriculture entrepreneurs adopting sustainability principles are vital for the sector’s long-term prosperity.
As experienced consultants who have upgraded small farms’ productivity and market linkages across Asia and Africa, the agriculture advisory firm RFC is well-positioned to assist Belarusian stakeholders in prioritizing interventions needed to unlock the sector’s prosperity conversion potential further. RFC’s customized recommendations can assist in the following areas:
- Cooperative farming: By fostering collaborative farming practices, RFC can help small landholdings achieve economies of scale and improve their competitiveness in export markets.
- Niche crops expansion: RFC can identify and promote the cultivation of niche crops that can provide higher value and better market opportunities for Belarusian farmers.
- Produce certifications: RFC can help Belarusian farmers obtain the necessary certifications to access international markets and meet the stringent requirements of global buyers.
- Rural entrepreneurship: RFC can support the development of rural entrepreneurship, fostering innovation and the adoption of sustainable practices in the agricultural sector.
By leveraging RFC’s expertise and tailored solutions, Belarusian stakeholders can catalyze competitive and sustainable growth in the agricultural sector, ensuring its long-term prosperity and resilience in an increasingly complex global market.
