Ukraine faces a dependence on imported tomatoes and cucumbers. Approximately 80% of tomato imports and 83% of cucumber imports to Ukraine come from Turkey. Poland also features prominently in imports, with a small quantity of tomatoes coming from the Netherlands.
Due to lower production costs, Turkish greenhouse vegetables are cheaper than those produced domestically in Ukraine. This dynamic, experts say, hampers the growth of the domestic greenhouse business.
Despite government grants intended to stimulate domestic cultivation, they often fail to align with the practical needs of greenhouse farms, limiting their effectiveness.
Sergiy Lenchuk, director of "Galicia Greenery," highlights the mismatch between grant criteria and industry requirements, indicating a need for reform to better support greenhouse ventures.
However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities. Investing in technological advancements and innovation can enhance efficiency, reducing production costs to compete with imports. Additionally, focusing on niche markets and specialty varieties could differentiate Ukrainian produce, appealing to consumers who value freshness and sustainability.
Source: agrotimes.ua
