Russia forecasts strawberry harvest to rise 8% to 318,000 tonnes in 2026

Output forecast at 318,000 tonnes

Russia’s strawberry harvest could reach 318,000 tonnes in 2026, an increase of 8% from the previous year, according to a forecast presented by Rosselkhozbank at the All-Russian Field Day in the Altai region. The estimate was announced by Oleg Knyazkov, deputy head of the bank’s Center for Industry Expertise.

TASS reported that farms of all categories produced 294,300 tonnes of strawberries last year. The crop represented about 40% of total berry production, making strawberries one of the country’s most important commercial berry categories.

The 2026 forecast implies an additional 23,700 tonnes of output compared with last year’s reported volume. Rosselkhozbank expects that increase despite weather fluctuations affecting some producing regions. Knyazkov said greenhouse complexes would help reduce exposure to natural conditions and support the availability of domestically produced fruit.

Acreage, breeding and greenhouses drive growth

Knyazkov attributed a previous annual harvest increase of almost 30% to favorable weather during the crucial growing period, the expansion of planted area and more intensive production. Improvements in breeding and agricultural technology also contributed, while state support helped finance the establishment of new berry plantations.

These factors are expected to remain central to the industry’s development. The Center for Industry Expertise anticipates further expansion of strawberry acreage, wider use of modern varieties and continued investment in greenhouses. The sector is also expected to introduce more machinery to replace or supplement manual crop care and harvesting.

Mechanization is particularly relevant for a crop that traditionally requires substantial seasonal labor and careful handling. Greenhouse production addresses a different constraint by making yields and supply timing less dependent on regional weather. Together, these investments could make production more predictable for growers, processors, wholesalers and retailers.

Organized-sector output could rise 22% by 2030

Rosselkhozbank expects strawberries to establish themselves among Russia’s three most technologically advanced berry crops in the coming years, alongside currants and blueberries. The assessment reflects both the planned expansion of cultivation and the increasing use of intensive technology across berry farms.

For the medium term, the bank’s Center for Industry Expertise forecasts that strawberry production in the organized sector could rise by as much as 22% by 2030 compared with 2025. It identified five drivers: larger planted areas, modern breeding, greenhouse construction, mechanization of crop care and harvesting, and state support.

The outlook signals further capacity growth, but production results will still depend on how quickly farms can implement these measures and manage regional weather risks. A larger and more stable harvest would increase the volume available to the domestic supply chain. For producers and buyers, the key issue will be whether investment in protected cultivation, new plantations and machinery can sustain growth after the recent rapid expansion in output.