The greenhouse acreage in Ukraine has been gradually expanding within the past three years. According to official data, the increase from 2016 to 2018 amounted to 9%. Data from Agri-Gator shows that the biggest growth occurred in 2018.
According to data from the country's statistics service, in 2018 the overall greenhouse acreage in Ukraine reached 6.47 thousand ha. For comparison, a year earlier it was 6 ha.
More than half of the acreage is occupied by cucumbers. According to 2018 results, this vegetable covered 3.3 ha, which is 9% more in comparison with the previous year. Tomatoes are in second place. The crop took up over 39% of the overall acreage, i.e. 2.5 thousand ha. In comparison with 2017, the tomato plantations have increased too. Cabbage concludes the list of leaders with a 15% acreage increase, from 316 to 365 ha.
According to experts, the interest for tomato and cucumber growing has increased for various reasons. First, the demand for the greenhouse produce is stimulated by local trade chains and wholesalers who prefer to refrain from purchasing open field produce due to perceived quality issues. Second, most of the greenhouse complexes also export their produce, hence the acreage increase. As for cabbage, the gradual growth is related to a high demand for it in the beginning of the season and, therefore, rather attractive prices.
Source: east-fruit.com