In central Ukraine's Cherkasy region, two war veterans, Vasyl Kotsiubailo and Maksym Parpalyha, have launched a greenhouse business and have transitioned to civilian life. Their company, Green Paso LLC, now operates 20 greenhouses and is building 12 more.
The project commenced with a personal investment of approximately €350,000 and an additional grant of €165,000 from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy. While the state support helped, most of the funding came from the veterans' own savings. Heating accounts for up to 70% of operating costs, making energy efficiency a priority.
The greenhouses are used mainly for cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers, though the team is also experimenting with watermelons, sweet corn, and beetroot on open fields. Automatic irrigation systems are being installed, with plans to add sensors for precision watering in the future. The farm also built a small solar power plant, though current grid restrictions prevent full use of its capacity.
For Kotsiubailo, farming has become both a business and a form of therapy:
"When soldiers return from the front, it is very difficult at first. Working with plants and land helps to adapt. But this business requires constant attention and knowledge, you can not just sow and expect results."
Employment is another important aspect of the project. Under the grant terms, the farm must hire seven permanent and 16 seasonal workers. Many of these positions are filled by displaced people and individuals with disabilities, addressing both the shortage of local labor and social inclusion goals. By next year, once the new greenhouses are complete, the team plans to have a full staff in place.
Sales remain local, with produce delivered to markets in Cherkasy and nearby towns. While national distribution networks are not yet established, there is growing interest from larger buyers. Despite the challenges of farming during wartime (energy shortages, labor scarcity, and market instability), the veterans say the business is at least breaking even.
Looking ahead, Kotsiubailo emphasizes resilience:
"In any business, there are pros and cons. But if you want to work and achieve something, you will. For us, the most important thing is to keep building and keep moving forward."
Source: suspilne.media
