A farm in northern Ukraine is expanding production by growing crops typically associated with the country's southern regions. Agrofirma Frutko, based in Zhytomyr Oblast, initiated this shift following the occupation of the south Ukraine, which disrupted supply chains and market availability.
The farm, which encompasses 50 hectares of vegetables, strawberries, and apples, was founded in 2019. It received state support early on, including reimbursement for planting materials and later a greenhouse grant under the "Own Greenhouse" program in 2023.
"After the southern regions were occupied, we started focusing on crops that were usually grown in Kherson," said owner Olena Salyvon. "We had to adapt and work harder."
Today, the farm cultivates 123 hectares:
4 hectares of greenhouses (89 total), where it grows radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, and table grapes.
40 hectares of orchards with apples, pears, plums, cherries, cornelian cherry, and more.
The rest is planted with early vegetables, melons, and sweet corn, traditionally grown in southern Ukraine.
In 2025, the farm also began trialing root vegetables (carrots, beets, radishes) and several types of cabbage.
Salyvon says that demand remains stable, and the farm sells its produce through major supermarket chains.
Source: kurkul.com
