The use of entomophagous insects for pest control has deep roots in Ukraine, dating back to Soviet times. Today, this practice is experiencing a revival, driven by new technologies and biological species.
In Ukraine, several nurseries produce entomophagous insects, complemented by a few EU distributors from countries like the Netherlands, France, and Belgium.
"Ekokultura," a leading Ukrainian player in this market, has been selling biological plant protection products since 2014 and opened a biolab for breeding predatory beetles and bumblebees in 2017.
However, the war has severely impacted the industry. Demand for entomophagous insects has dropped, sustained only by large producers, making local production unprofitable. Energy and logistics issues have prompted "Ekokultura" to establish a nursery in Poland, with plans to scale up sales in Ukraine as the market slowly recovers.
The industry's main challenge is the weak market for greenhouse-grown plants, exacerbated by high heating costs, low purchasing power, and the war's impact. Despite these hurdles, "Ekokultura" continues to breed bumblebees in Ukraine and Poland, recognizing the growing demand and declining global population of these vital pollinators.
Source: delo.ua