A Ukrainian blueberry grower and exporter has given an update on the current fruit and vegetable situation amidst the ongoing war started by Russia.
Natalia Pukshyn, from Blue Berry LLC, with their head office in the capital city of Kiev and production fields in Velyki Luchky, Ukraine, provided this update. "Unfortunately, this year our team, along with all the other producers around Ukraine in all spheres, were faced with unexpected challenges when the war happened. The war that no one in Ukraine wanted. We are defending our freedom, our independence and our nation, as we are very proud to be Ukrainians."
"Regarding the fruit and vegetable situation in our country, the consumption situation has changed extremely. There is a little list of the products that are really on the shelf and have a demand, we call it a “borsch list” - borsch is a traditional Ukrainian soup, and the list has the same vegetables that are the ingredients of this soup - such as potatoes, carrots, beet, onions and cabbage, along with apples, oranges and bananas."
She said the farmers are all in a difficult situation, but in every region they have different problems. "Yes there are some regions in Ukraine where there are battles and no one is speaking about growing at all, as everything is totally burnt. For example, on occupied territory, somewhere around Kherson, no one has fuel to start the field preparations for seasonal growing, but it’s not the only problem there, as in the occupied territories people prefer to stay and sit in the bomb shelters and not move," explained Pukshyn.
"In the central part of Ukraine some growers lost their warehouses or tractors, as they where destroyed by the missiles. The Western part is feeling better due to less conflicts on its territories where they only have air danger, people are trying to do their best during this year, preparing, but there is a lack of fuel in this region too. But nevertheless, I would like to thank you on behalf of our company and from all Ukrainians for your support and of your governments, we appreciate it.
"Today is not the time to stop the support as we have a lot of new challenges in front of us. Today I will ask you to support us, Ukrainian growers, buying and ordering our products, to support our Army or other volunteer organisations by giving donations, to support Ukraine in your cities and countries. Together we will win, for sure!," concluded Pukshyn.
For more information:
Natalia Pukshyn
Blue Berries LLC
Tel: +380 67 404 2222
Email: [email protected]
www.blueberry.ua/en