Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Intensive apple orchard acreage extends rapidly in Zakarpattya
Zakarpattya environment suits apple production fantastically; this oblast is the third largest supplier of apples to the other regions of Ukraine after Vinnitsa and Khmelnitskiy oblasts. According to information provided by Alexander Matviyets, the Agronomist of Zakarpattya office, Agricultural Marketing Project (AMP), this year the acreage of intensive apple orchards increased significantly, more than twice in the oblast. Zakarpattya apple producers have pointed out the increased demand on their commodities for several years already. It concerns mostly those farmers who produce high-quality dessert apples applying intensive technologies, trellis and drip irrigation.
Despite of the rapid orcharding development in the region, the actual figures look sad. Intensive orchards' share in the total structure is basis points, and orchard acreage is constantly decreasing because of old orchards' cutting. Import tax decrease threats the production of quality apples in Ukraine too, as it will be 5% starting from December 1st till March 31st.
You can get more information about the industry's perspectives during the second international conference "Fruits and Vegetables of Ukraine 2005" to be held in December 2005 in Kyiv.