Alexander Drozdenko, a Governor of the Leningrad Region, was the first to speak at the ceremony. Expositions of all areas of the 47th region occupy a special place at the exhibition. A special thematic area is dedicated to them.

"The Leningrad Region will be represented every day through the exhibition work. And this is no coincidence. Our region provides 42% of all the agricultural products in the Northwest. We can make high-quality, delicious and healthy products. We have learnt to make brand new food products that haven’t been typical for the Leningrad Region several years ago. These are our great northern prawn, new kinds of fish such as sturgeon, caviar and many other things. The Leningrad Region supports country people actively, and every farmer knows that they can rely on support from the budget," said Drozdenko.

A stand representing St. Petersburg also works at the exhibition. Alexander Beglov, the city governor, addressed participants and guests of Agrorus-2022 with a welcoming speech. His message was read from the stage by Kirill Soloveichik, Chair of the Committee of Industrial Policy, Innovations and Trade.

"In the context of unprecedented western sanctions, agricultural industry development has become particularly important for Russia. The companies involved in agriculture, manufacturing and processing of food products honorably fulfill the task of providing citizens with delicious, healthy and high-quality food. Food and processing industries successfully develop in St. Petersburg, the geography of supplies is expanding, and high-tech equipment is being introduced. Agrorus-2022 will reinforce the connections between constituent entities of the RF, open new horizons for cooperation," the Governor of St. Petersburg wrote in his message.

Oleg Nilov, a Deputy Chair of the Committee for Agricultural Issues of the State Duma of the RF, delivered an impressive speech about achievements and challenges of the agroindustrial sector.

"There is no other sector in Russia to show as outstanding dynamics as the agroindustrial one. Manufacturing of the most necessary products has been increased tenfold. Food security has been ensured in Russia. Farmers export more products than the military-industrial complex. At the same time, electrical energy in the agricultural sector still costs more than in construction. The government needs to be given a task to resolve this situation. What we need is not urbanization, but Agrorus and that's that"! said Nilov.

Eventually, Sergey Voronkov, CEO of EF-International Ltd, President of the Russian Union of Exhibitions and Fairs, announced the official start of the exhibition.

"Agrorus is a feast that can not be missed. 250 farms and 15 constituent entities of the RF present their products at the exhibition. There is the largest honey market with more than 100 tons of honey. There are more than 150 companies, all areas of the Leningrad Region, regions of Russia, and states of the former Soviet Union representing themselves and their products at the exhibition. More than 1,500 negotiations between purchasers and suppliers have taken place in the framework of the Business Contact Centre. So the Agrorus venue can and must become a foundation for discussions of such issues as the country’s food security," said Voronkov.

The 31st International Agroindustrial Exhibition and Trade Fair Agrorus-2022 takes place in the ExpoForum from August 31 to September 3, from 10:00 to 19:00.

There are free shuttle buses from the Moskovskaya metro station and a large parking lot for car owners.

Visitors can enter the exhibition only by prior registration.

See all the details on the official website.