International forum dedicated to wild-harvest products and superfoods opens at the National Centre RUSSIA
The II International Forum of Wild-Harvest Processors and
Superfood Producers has opened at the National Centre RUSSIA. It is a leading
industry event dedicated to discussing the production of foods with high
biological value made from wild-harvested and cultivated raw materials. The
two-day event, taking place from 31 March to 1 April, has brought together
wild-harvest producers, representatives of industrial enterprises, research
institutions, federal and regional authorities, and many others.
The forum opened with the plenary session "Superfoods —
Investments in Human Economic Longevity". Participants were Oleg Kobyakov,
Director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation Liaison Office with the
Russian Federation; Pyotr Chekmaryov, Academician of the Russian Academy of
Sciences and Chairman of the Committee for the Development of the
Agro-Industrial Complex of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian
Federation; Sakhamin Afanasyev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council
Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Self-Government and
Northern Affairs; and others.
Yury Rudakov, President of the Union of Wild-Harvest
Processors "National Ecoresource" and member of the State Council
Commission on International Cooperation and Export, spoke about the industry s
plans for the coming year, the importance of attracting young people, and
preserving the agricultural traditions of the peoples of Russia.
"It is very encouraging that young people are entering
the industry. Many say they
want to work in wild-harvest procurement in their villages and regions. We are
ready to serve as a platform for regions to exchange experience. The most
important thing is to retain young people, because if we do not preserve our
traditions, we will not have a future. This year we have many events planned in
the regions. In addition, 2026 has been declared by President Vladimir Putin
the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia. It is also an opportunity to
demonstrate to representatives of other countries the traditions and products
we have," said Yury Rudakov.
The
International Forum of Wild-Harvest Processors and Superfood Producers is aimed
at implementing the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 309 "On National
Development Goals of the Russian Federation for the Period until 2030". It
is designed to promote the strengthening of the country's food sovereignty, the
economic development of the regions, and the improvement of citizens' quality
of life. Its key objective is the integration of superfoods into healthy
nutrition systems, active longevity programmes, and the prevention of
age-related diseases that have not yet led to functional disorders.
Over the
two days of the forum, participants will take part in an extensive business
programme that includes plenary sessions and expert discussions devoted to
state support for the industry, the development of deep processing
technologies, biohacking, international cooperation, and export.
The event
has been held since 2025 with the support of representatives of federal
authorities and development institutions. Following the forum, a consolidated
report featuring best regional practices will be prepared and submitted to the
Presidential Executive Office, the Government, the State Duma, the Federation
Council, and development institutions.
A branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Kaliningrad region will become a major attraction for residents and visitors.
On 11 April, the National Centre RUSSIA will host the Open Lecture Hall "Inventing the Future: Geography".
