Sochi's New Master Plan Earmarks 10,500 Hectares for Agriculture

Sochi's new master plan, approved in late 2023, outlines designated zones for development of residential complexes, tourism, agriculture, parks, and transportation projects.

Agricultural Land:

Sochi has over 10,500 hectares of land designated for agriculture. About half of this land (around 5,000 hectares) is classified as highly valuable productive agricultural land. This land cannot be converted to other uses. The boundaries of this valuable land were established by order of the Krasnodar Krai Governor in 2005, according to Veronika Zykina, architect at the Research Institute for Urban Development (NIIPG).

Currently, only 1,500 hectares are used by farms in Sochi. The resort has the potential to produce 90% of its vegetables and 10% of its fruits, compared to the current production of 15% and 10% respectively.

Goals of the Master Plan:

• Increase local agricultural production to reduce reliance on imports from other regions.
• Develop agriculture to strengthen the resort's food security, especially in case of potential supply chain disruptions.
• Protect highly valuable land from development and other non-agricultural uses.

The implementation of the new master plan is expected to make Sochi more self-sufficient in terms of food supply while preserving its unique natural landscapes.