🔱Ukraine is rapidly gaining ground as a world leader in the production and export of berry products. In 2024, our country ranked first in the world in terms of net exports of frozen raspberries - more than 65 thousand tonnes, leaving behind Poland and Serbia. Equally impressive is the growth in blueberry exports - 5 thousand tonnes, which is 33% more than last year, and in currency terms, blueberry exports increased by 56% to USD 26 million.

And this is not just a business success. It is the result of a targeted scientific work of Ukrainian breeders.

The Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences has already created 173 new varieties of rare berry crops, including blackberries, honeysuckle, viburnum, sea buckthorn, mulberries, chokeberries and others. It is especially impressive that 15 of them have already been included in the National General Bank of Ukraine - a real strategic asset of our country.

But even more importantly, our scientists have developed unique technologies for improving planting material, which help reduce dependence on imports and protect the crop from viruses. After all, the raspberry bushy dwarf virus imported with uncertified seedlings can reduce yields by 40-50% and critically impair the crop's drought tolerance.

📌What does this mean for farmers in Odesa region?
Odesa region has unique agro-climatic conditions for growing berries, especially given its long growing season and access to irrigation. But at the same time, the region remains vulnerable to climate change, with frequent droughts, high temperatures, and erratic rainfall. That is why the use of certified, healthy planting material is not a luxury, but a necessity.
✅ Recommendations for farmers and agricultural companies in Odesa region:

• Switch to certified Ukrainian planting material. Avoid imports that do not have phytosanitary guarantees - this is a risk for your business.
• Pay attention to less common crops. They have a high export potential and often higher profitability - blackberries, sea buckthorn, honeysuckle, chokeberries can become the new stars of the berry market.
• Invest in irrigation. In combination with virus-resistant varieties, this will allow you to get a stable harvest even in years of climate challenges.
• Cooperate with scientific institutions. The Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences and the National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources are partners that can help you develop new varieties and technologies.
• Create cooperatives and berry clusters. This will allow you to enter markets more effectively, participate in grant programmes and share technological solutions.

🌿Alla Stoyanova, an economic development expert, emphasises that: "Ukraine has already proved to the world that it can be a berry superpower. We have gained this status not only thanks to the hard work of farmers, but also thanks to the power of Ukrainian science. Today, new prospects are opening up for Odesa region: the region has a chance to become a leader in the production of berries that are not only profitable but also export-oriented, technologically advanced and adapted to climate challenges. The strength is in quality, knowledge and unity. Let's take advantage of this advantage today!"

💙💛WE WORK TOGETHER TO WIN!