Ukraine, recognizing its capabilities in walnut cultivation, is actively expanding the export of this valuable product. According to Gennadiy Yudin, the president of the Ukrainian Nut Association, the area of industrial nut orchards in the country is currently 13.1 thousand hectares, with significant growth, especially in regions such as Kyiv, Zakarpattia, and Cherkasy.
In Ukraine, hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds are cultivated. Recent data reveals that the area of hazelnut orchards is approximately 7 thousand hectares, walnuts cover 6 thousand hectares, and almonds constitute 0.1 thousand hectares. Most orchards are intensively managed with additional fertilisation and irrigation, while some adhere to organic standards.
Yudin highlighted that only two industrial hazelnut orchards in Ukraine follow the "Organic Standard" system. These orchards, located in different climatic conditions, serve as significant nut laboratories where cultivation and processing technologies for hazelnuts are studied.
The annual nuts export from Ukraine constitutes a substantial portion of the country's external trade structure, ranging from 25% to 30%. In 2022, nut exports amounted to $80.3 million, with the majority directed to the European Union, Asian countries, and Southeast Asia.
The Ukrainian Nut Association is actively working on market development, planning to expand the range of exported goods, particularly in nut processing products. This strategy aims to secure a stable position in the global nut market amidst increasing competition and changing consumer demands.
source: agro-business.com.ua