Podkhoz

Podkhoz is a Russian term (Подхоз) that refers to a subsidiary farm or auxiliary farming enterprise attached to a larger organization. These organizations are typically industrial enterprises, factories, or institutions such as schools or hospitals. The primary purpose of a podkhoz is to provide agricultural products, such as vegetables, fruits, meat, and dairy, for the organization's employees or members.

Podkhozes were particularly prevalent during the Soviet era as a means of supplementing state-controlled food production and ensuring a more reliable supply of food for workers and those associated with specific institutions. They operated under the umbrella of the main organization and often received funding and resources from it.

While less common now than in the Soviet period, podkhozes still exist in some parts of Russia and other post-Soviet countries. Their scale and importance vary, but they continue to serve as a means of providing locally sourced food and supporting the social welfare of the parent organization's community. The degree of operational independence and profitability also varies from one podkhoz to another.