A pilot project for the supply of fruits and vegetables to Ukrainian retail chains, which will significantly reduce logistics costs, has been launched in Hola Prystan, in the Kherson region.
An agreement for cooperation has been signed by local producers, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the company "Nibulon" and representatives of retail chains, as reported in a press statement.
"The pilot project, which will help improve the quality of fruit and vegetable products in Ukraine's retail chains and reduce logistics costs for products from Kherson by a quarter, for the benefit of small growers in the area, was launched on 17 June in Hola Prystan," said the press release.
The first tests will be carried out with watermelons, and in case of successful completion of the pilot project, it will be extended to other fruit and vegetable products grown in the fields of Kherson.
"Small growers don't usually have the opportunity to cooperate with retail chains, because they produce relatively small volumes," stated Patrick Raider, USAID project manager. "Our project will help small producers of the Kherson region to unite, enabling them to offer larger batches and to build a new efficient supply chain from the fields of Kherson to the country's large retail chains. Modern international standards of logistics and packaging will be applied, and consumers will get better and fresher watermelons on their tables."
Alexei Vadatursky, General Director of Nibulon LLC, said that the list of products that may benefit from this includes not only watermelons, but also peppers, onions or tomatoes, as well as other fruits and vegetables.
The project "Support to Agrarian and Rural Development" is a USAID initiative which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth by developing the agricultural sector and creating more attractive living conditions in rural areas of Ukraine.
Source: ukrinform.ru
