Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Pyotr Chekmarev spoke at the National Centre RUSSIA about the prospects of wild-harvest resources

There are no useless plants in nature — it is simply that not all their beneficial properties have yet been discovered. This was stated at the National Centre RUSSIA by Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chair of the Committee for the Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, Pyotr Chekmarev. Speaking to participants of the 2nd International Forum of Wild-Harvest Processors and Superfood Producers, he emphasised the uniqueness of Russia’s natural potential.

"I would describe our Russian brand of wild-harvest products and superfoods as follows — 'A super product from the wild'. We have such diversity as cannot be found anywhere else in the world," said Pyotr Chekmarev.

According to the academician, the harsh climatic conditions in Russia — cold winters and hot summers — force plants and fungi to accumulate substances that are particularly beneficial for humans, making them truly valuable. At the same time, the potential of wild-harvest resources remains far from fully realised.

The scientist stressed that the task of the Russian Academy of Sciences is to study natural diversity in a comprehensive manner. "There are no useless plants in nature. It is simply that not all their beneficial properties have yet been discovered. Everything that grows on Earth can be of benefit to humans."

The study of natural resources is carried out by the All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR) within the system of the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences. However, as the academician noted, scientific research alone is not enough — it is critically important to develop processing technologies: "Wild-harvest resources have a limited shelf life, and preserving their valuable properties or turning them into finished products requires specialised technologies."

The 2nd International Forum of Wild-Harvest Processors and Superfood Producers took place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 31 March to 1 April. The event brought together collectors and processors of wild-harvest resources, agricultural producers, representatives of technology companies and industrial enterprises, scientific institutions, development institutes, as well as federal and regional authorities.