The venue of the Business Incubator of the Voronezh State Technical University (VSTU) became a point of attraction for leading experts, government officials, and the business community. It successfully hosted an off-site strategic meeting of the international discussion club “VISION 3000” – an event that set new vectors for dialogue on the role of regions in the global economy.
The meeting was organized by the “VISION 3000” club and the Regional Public Organization “International Union of Women” , co-organized by the “Council of Women” led by Margarita Maslennikova, with the support of the Voronezh Region Government and the regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The general information partner was the online publication “Posolskaya Zhizn” (Embassy Life) , which consistently covers key international initiatives.
Key Theme: Regions as Drivers of Global Change
The meeting’s agenda – “Regions as Engines of Global Competitiveness: Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses at the Intersection of Traditions, Innovations, and International Dialogue” – proved to be extremely relevant. Participants focused on practical mechanisms for integrating local initiatives into the global economy, the role of mentorship, and the potential of public diplomacy as the “soft power” of territories.
One of the most striking and substantive speeches was delivered by Andrey Vladimirovich Tutarikov, Head of the Rural Tourism Development Division at the Department for Small Agribusiness Development of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. He presented a comprehensive vision of how agrotourism is transforming from a niche direction into a driver for the economy of rural areas.
Why is Rural Tourism Needed? Everyone Wins
Andrey Vladimirovich began with a key thesis: “The provision of services in the field of rural tourism is aimed, first and foremost, at increasing farmers’ profitability by boosting agricultural product sales through an alternative sales channel – direct sales to tourists.”
In his presentation, the speaker clearly demonstrated that agrotourism creates a “win-win” effect for all participants:
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For farmers: direct product sales, additional income from excursions, masterclasses, and accommodation, as well as strengthening the farm’s brand.
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For tourists: the opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional way of life, taste farm products, and see production with their own eyes.
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For municipalities: new jobs, infrastructure development, and drawing attention to the territory.
What is Rural Tourism According to the Law?
Tutarikov reminded attendees of the current definition from Federal Law No. 132-FZ (as amended in October 2024): rural tourism involves visiting rural areas or small towns (with a population of up to 30,000 people) for the purpose of recreation, familiarization with the traditional way of life, learning about agricultural production, and even participating in agricultural work without deriving material benefit.
State Support Measures: From Grants to Training
A separate part of the speech was dedicated to the tools currently offered by the state. Since 2026, support for agrotourism has been integrated into the new federal project “Development of Small Agribusiness.”
Key support measures from the Russian Ministry of Agriculture:
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“Agrotourism” Grant – funds can be allocated for:
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construction or modernization of accommodation facilities (guest houses);
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creation of tourist attraction sites (museums, farms, ethnoparks);
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connection to utility networks;
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purchase of furniture and equipment.
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Cost Reimbursement (up to 50%, but not exceeding 5 million rubles) – for landscaping territories adjacent to tourist sites, and purchasing tourist equipment, gear, and inventory.
Additionally, there are subsidies for farm development, “Agroprogress” grants, and support for agricultural cooperatives (SPoKs) . Andrey Vladimirovich emphasized that besides federal measures, it’s crucial to actively utilize regional grant competitions, resources from the Presidential Grants Fund, the “Museum 4.0” program, and tools from the Ministry of Economic Development (support for SMEs and tourism).
Non-Financial Support: Teach, Show, Connect
The speaker placed special emphasis on non-financial instruments, which are often underestimated:
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Training: The Ministry of Agriculture, together with the Academy for Personnel Support of the Agro-Industrial Complex, has launched the “Academy of Agrotourism.” Professional development programs are available for grant recipients and for those planning to enter this business.
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Partnerships: Active work is underway with Russian Railways, Yandex, Rosselkhozbank, and the Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) to promote farm projects.
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On-site Assessments: Ministry specialists conduct expert visits to grant recipients to provide personalized recommendations and help establish interaction with regional tourism ministries and the tourist community.
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Informational Materials: The “Atlas of Agrotourism Projects” and “Atlas of Agrotourism Routes” are published, serving as navigators for travelers and tour operators.
Successful Examples: How It Works
Andrey Tutarikov illustrated his speech with inspiring cases from different regions, showing that strategies may vary, but success is universal:
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Leveraging the Cultural Code: The “Sytaya Dusya” (Well-Fed Dusya) project (Ivanovo Region) – gastronomic programs, bread baking and cheese-making masterclasses, revival of traditional dishes like “vekoshnik”.
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Unique Product Offering: “Goose Capital” (Kostroma Region) – a farm with immersive dinners, excursions, and branded goose meat products.
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Involvement in Labor: “Skorodumovka Village” (Tatarstan) – picking berries and apples, orchard care, fishing, and tea gatherings with local legends.
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Comprehensive Tourist Product: “Davydovskoye Eco-Farm” (Yaroslavl Region) – a reindeer farm, a functioning 1902 water mill, masterclasses, and accommodation.
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Promising Enotourism: “Batrak Winery” (Stavropol Krai) – tours of the production facility, wine cellar, and tastings of signature wines.
The Main Takeaway
For the meeting participants, Andrey Tutarikov’s speech was not just a lecture on subsidies, but a comprehensive roadmap. The key message is that Russian agrotourism has enormous potential. Today, a holistic support ecosystem has been created – from financial investments to educational programs and partnerships with tourism industry giants. The only thing left is the initiative of the farmers themselves and the desire to turn their farms into points of attraction for the entire country.
The full presentation by Andrey Vladimirovich Tutarikov is available for download and study on the official websites of the international discussion club “VISION 3000”, the Regional Public Organization “International Union of Women”, and the online publication “Posolskaya Zhizn” (Embassy Life).
For reference about the club:
The VISION 3000 International Discussion Club is an open platform for experience exchange and discussion on issues related to promoting Russian and international intellectual dialogue and independent, objective expertise of economic, cultural, and social projects. It unites like-minded individuals whose activities are aimed at dialogue and openness… https://vision3000.ru/?page_id=7
The VISION 3000 International Discussion Club continues its work to develop practical solutions based on the dialogue that has taken place.</p