Ukraine is rapidly ascending to European standards in walnut production, leveraging its vast land potential.
Oleg Valko, founder of FG "Volya Sad" in Lviv, underscores the importance of selecting the right varieties like Pischan'sky for optimal yields. With a decade of experience and plans to expand by 50 hectares, Valko's enterprise epitomizes the nation's growth trajectory in this sector.
Collaborating with the Ukrainian Walnut Association, Valko aims to streamline bulk orders, appealing to global clients with uniform kernels and consistent quality.
Planting schedules vary, with autumn favoured in drier climates and spring in wetter regions like Lviv. Timing and proper care are critical, ensuring high yields and quality produce.
At FG "Volya Sad," seedlings cost around 400 UAH (10 euro), with cooperative models enabling shared equipment ownership among local landowners.
Valko emphasises proper tree care, from the formation of the canopy to minimal pruning, to maximize yields.
While there are enough factories in Ukraine for secondary nut processing, where husking and calibration are carried out, the situation with primary processing is much worse, with hardly any such factories available.
With rising living standards, commercial walnut cultivation is poised for further expansion, positioning Ukraine as a key player in the European market.
source: agroportal.ua