Stefan Duerr: we will work harder for the benefit of people!

I came to Russia in 1989 and fell in love with this beautiful country and its friendly, sincere and warm-hearted people. I am very grateful for the warm welcome and support I received in Russia.

I met a lot of wonderful people who played an important role in my life. The first person who gave me insight into the Russian life was Evgeniy Fetisov, chief agronomist of the farm where I worked. He guided me and helped me with practical advice. It is also impossible to overestimate the support of Vasiliy Vershinin, who was the Head of Moscow Union of Farmers at that time. Another person I would like to thank for sharing his professional expertise with me is Aleksey Chernyshev who was then a State Duma Deputy and later – the Governor of Orenburg oblast. I also learned a lot from Vladimir Plotnikov. We met in Germany when he was doing his internship and have been good friends ever since. I cannot thank Aleksey Gordeyev enough for the wise guidance and professional expertise, for his invaluable support and well-deserved criticism, which always inspired me to become better.

Unfortunately, I cannot mention all the people who have been standing by me and supporting me with both words and deeds in this article. But I remember each of them and thank them from the bottom of my heart. With such exceptional people by your side, you can embark on the toughest journey without fear.

I want to thank all former and current employees of EkoNiva! Together, we are a strong team, which can cope with the most challenging tasks. It is our team that has made EkoNiva what it is now.

Our company is following its unique path. We always try to be closer to people and nature. Profit is not the only driver of our business. First and foremost, we work for people and want to change their life for the better. I am very glad that this year, a rural area development programme has been launched.