Ukrainian raspberry farmers are facing significant challenges this season due to labor shortages and fluctuating market prices. The average raspberry yield in Ukraine remains steady at 8–12 tons per hectare. Vitaliy Ishmurat, founder of the company "Yahody Volyni," highlighted these issues, emphasizing their impact on the industry.
Raspberries are a key crop for farms in the Volyn cluster, with "Yahody Volyni" focusing heavily on their production. Ishmurat believes that the boom in raspberry cultivation in Ukraine is still ongoing. He notes that those who are well-versed in the business understand the cyclical nature of raspberry prices. Given that industrial raspberry plants bear fruit for seven years, farmers must navigate various market conditions over this period.
Small-scale and sporadic producers also play a role in the market dynamics. These farmers often uproot their raspberry bushes when prices fall and replant them when prices rise. However, the market cannot function without them. Adding to the complexity, many workers have left, creating a widespread labor shortage. "It's not just about planting 100, 200, or 500 hectares of raspberries," Ishmurat said. "The real challenge is ensuring their timely harvest."
Source: seeds.org.ua