4 April 2016, the Minister of agriculture of the Russian Federation, Alexander Tkachev, paid a working visit to Kaliningrad region, during which he became acquainted with the work of a number of enterprises in the region and together with Governor of the region Nikolai Tsukanov held a meeting with the farmers of the region.

During the meeting the head of the Russian Ministry of agriculture noted that in the context of import substitution in the region have all opportunities to increase the volume of production of meat and dairy products, greenhouse vegetables, and grain.

“Wheat is a key crop for the region. Million tons of grain — it should be a political task for the Kaliningrad region. You produce about half a million tons, and half of them account for self-sustainment. In this climate, it is mild enough, you can get a yield of 60-70 or more quintals per hectare. Of course, if you engage the earth. Through the use of intensive technologies, increasing of productivity and involvement in the turnover of new lands can achieve good results.", - said the Minister.

Alexander Tkachev recommended to bring order to the abandoned agricultural land and to use the geographic position of the Kaliningrad region as an advantage for the development of agricultural production and development of foreign markets.

The Minister of agriculture of the Russian Federation cited the example of Poland, where he created an industry of growing apples and recommended that the authorities of the region to highlight gardening in the priority direction of agriculture development.

"Kaliningrad oblast lucky with the climate and geography, need to use their advantage to occupy this niche. I appeal to the businessmen, to the regional authorities. Need every year to lay about 100-500 hectares of new orchards. Products you can supply to the domestic market to replace the Polish fruit, - said the Minister.

Following the meeting, the Governor of the Kaliningrad region Nikolai Tsukanov instructed the regional governing body of the agricultural sector to accelerate the implementation of the programme for development of horticulture.