Zhytomyr region accounts for a large share of fruit and berry cultivation in central-northern Ukraine, with plantation areas spanning 4.4 thousand hectares, of which 4.0 thousand hectares are fruit-bearing. Data from Agronews outlines the dominant production of apples and pears, stone fruits such as cherries and plums, and a variety of berries, including strawberries, honeysuckle, and raspberries.
In 2024, the region faced challenging weather, impacting yields, yet still achieved almost 39 thousand tons of output. Zhytomyr remains a leader, with 42% of Ukraine's honeysuckle plantations and notable areas of strawberries and raspberries.
Key enterprises include LLC "Betek," a major honeysuckle producer and exporter, LLC "Ukrainian Berry," LLC "Nikdariya," and State Farm "Fruitco," which integrates drip irrigation and modern greenhouse methods for apples and strawberries. State Farm "Grass-Avenue" employs digital tools, while LLC "Malynplan," relocated from Kharkiv, focuses on strawberry cultivation and seedling certification.
State-backed initiatives like the "Own Garden" program (2022-2024) granted over UAH 110 million to 21 enterprises. For 2025, applications propose expanding honeysuckle by 70 hectares and hazelnuts by over 16 hectares.
Zhytomyr continues to evolve in horticulture, merging traditional practices with innovative technology, enhancing market reach and export capacity.
Source: AgroNews
