Vladimir Solodov, the governor of the Kamchatka region, urged a broad shift in procurement practices to prioritize domestic fish over imports. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum during the session titled Ocean – Evolution of Fisheries and Consumption, he emphasized that the public sector should lead by example in increasing the domestic demand for Russian seafood. He framed this as part of a larger, nationwide effort to strengthen Russia’s food security and support homegrown producers.
“As a concrete step, I propose that the entire society participate in a draft program aimed at boosting the consumption of domestic fish, which is being prepared in line with presidential guidance. We should leverage the tools at our disposal to raise public sector procurement for domestic fish. In short, the public sector in Russia should not purchase fish of imported origin,” Solodov stated. His remarks underscore a strategic objective: expand the domestic market for fish and reduce reliance on foreign supplies through targeted policy and procurement reforms.
Solodov stressed that increasing the share of locally produced fish within the country is a strategically vital aim. He noted that Russian fish species such as pollock and pink salmon are often presented as healthier options compared with some imports, highlighting a health and nutrition angle to support domestic products. This framing aligns with broader regional and federal goals to promote high-quality, locally sourced foodstuffs while ensuring transparency in supply chains and food safety standards.
The governor also drew attention to the pricing landscape as a critical factor in stimulating demand. He suggested that government incentives could play a key role in reinforcing last-mile fish processing, enabling deeper processing of catches, and ultimately expanding consumer access to finished fish products. He argued that a clear policy signal—paired with incentives for processors and retailers—could help stabilize prices and make domestic seafood more affordable for families and institutions alike.
Among the potential measures discussed were targeted subsidies or tax incentives to support small and medium-sized fish processors, investments in cold-chain infrastructure, and efforts to cultivate a culture of fish consumption across the federation. These initiatives would not only benefit producers in Kamchatka but could also ripple through the domestic market, creating jobs, boosting regional economies, and contributing to food security across Russia. The approach would also involve educational campaigns to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of homegrown fish and the ecological advantages of sourcing locally where possible.
The Eastern Economic Forum, known for its focus on pivotal industries that drive regional development, frequently hosts sessions dedicated to fisheries. This year’s program included discussions on Ocean – Evolution of Fisheries and Consumption and a retrospective look at Far East developments in the next decade. The event served as a platform to align regional strategies with national priorities, encouraging collaboration among government bodies, industry stakeholders, and research institutions. The discussions reflected a broader commitment to sustainable fisheries management, improved processing capabilities, and increased domestic consumption, elements that are expected to shape policy and investment decisions in the years ahead.