Vitaliy Sinilo is a participant in the ENI-LLB-1-117 project “Green Agriculture Without Borders” of the Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus Cross-Border Cooperation Program within the European Neighborhood Instrument 2014-2020 gg https://robimrazam.by/vendors/slavjanskij-kutok/

The local economy (TG): Vitaliy, tell me, how long have you been in the agricultural business? Why did you decide to farm??

Vitaliy Sinilo (Sun.): My peasant farm "Slavic Kutok" turns 5 years old. I began to engage in the active development of my economy with 2018 of the year.

The total area of ​​my farm 3 Mrs. Of them 2,5 ha constitute swamp and shrubs.

I believe, that organic agriculture is one of the key factors in the transition to a green economy. I always had a lot of ideas in this direction..

I also consider, that many changes a person must start with himself. Therefore, I decided to create such a farm, in which I can realize my ideas, scientific approaches to the cultivation of various crops on the principles of organic agricultural production.

I work closely with the specialists of the laboratory of organic matter of the soil of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus in such areas, like biological processing of organic waste, I conduct some research and observation of the composting process of green biomass in order to obtain organic fertilizers for fodder crops for livestock.

TG: What kind of research do you conduct on the basis of your farm?

Sun.: I conduct research on phytoremediation.

TG: Tell us more, what is phytoremediation?

Sun.: Phytoremediation is a set of wastewater treatment methods, soil and air using green plants. This is one of the areas of a more general bioremediation method..

So today I can say, that the peasant farm "Slavyansky Kutok" is a kind of research and development experimental mini "testing ground" for the development of innovative green technologies for agricultural purposes and local monitoring at its site, which includes the biodiversity of nature and serves as an ecosystem.

TG: Beyond Research, You grow something on your site?

Sun.: The main direction of my economy is the cultivation of phyto-plants, herbs and plants for the manufacture of extracts and substances for cosmetology. I grow some crops to order, eg, burdock root, peppermint.

TG: Vitaliy, share your plans for the future?

Sun.: I plan to continue to actively develop my area of ​​growing medicinal herbs and plants. I also think to develop consulting in the field of green economy and technologies and promote the “biosphere service” in Belarus.

I also see the great potential of cluster interaction between farms and I would like to be more active in developing a cluster integration system, including as part of new projects.

TG: What would you recommend to novice farmers? What would you like to warn those, who is only at the beginning of the journey?

Sun.: Before starting a business, you need to get knowledge on core activities, examine entrepreneurial risks and legislation. It is very important to think about financial reserves.. And the most important thing is to find ideological people and create a team for work.

KFH "Slavic Kutok"

Head of household: Vitaliy Vladimirovich Sinilo

Farm address: 223411, Minsk Region, Uzdensky district, Neman Village Council, Rakosici village, Lugovaya street, 17

contact number: +375 33 60 55 491

E-mail address: SOFIA-AGRO@MAIL.RU

Interview was conducted by Julia Koroleva, EVIL “MAP ZAO” Minsk district