Ukraine loses more than 35% of its annual vegetable harvest, or over 1 million tonnes, due to the shortage of modern storage facilities. A significant portion of produce never reaches the market. In response, the government is launching a national vegetable storage network project, including the construction of 78 new facilities valued at over €123 million.
According to Agriculture Minister Vitalii Koval, Ukraine already faced a 40% storage deficit before the full-scale invasion in 2022. The war has worsened the situation through occupation, destruction, and infrastructure loss. The current deficit exceeds 1.1 million tonnes, including over 281,000 tonnes of lost or destroyed storage capacity.
As of 2025, Ukraine has only 300,000 tonnes of modern vegetable storage with climate control, and an additional 324,000 tonnes of basic storage with natural ventilation. These primitive facilities cannot preserve vegetable quality for the full season.
The planned €123 million investment in 78 storage sites over two years will be funded through state support, private investment, and international recovery programs. Talks are ongoing with retailers, private investors, and global partners.
The ministry views storage infrastructure as part of a broader transition to an agro-industrial economy. Currently, 1 hectare of Ukrainian farmland generates only around €1,000 in export revenue. Improved storage and processing infrastructure are expected to raise this figure.
Source: www.obozrevatel.com
