Rebuilding Ukraine’s Soft Fruit Sector

“Rebuilding Ukraine’s Soft Fruit Sector” aims to restore and modernise Ukraine’s berry industry while supporting economic recovery and social inclusion in war-affected regions. Led by the Dutch Ukrainian Berry Industry Cluster (DUBIC), the project focuses on regenerative strawberry and blueberry production in western and central Ukraine, involving displaced people, women, and youth in agricultural employment and training.

The project introduces two fertigation systems to secure water resources, supplies modern machinery, and provides high-yield, strong strawberry varieties developed by Fresh Forward. Partners Rosetta Agro and VGB-Watertechniek oversee local management and training, while SonderJansen guarantees international market access for frozen berries. Environmental performance and carbon footprint are monitored by Blonk Milieu Advies B.V., aligning production with the European Unions (EU’s) Farm-to-Fork Strategy.

By combining Dutch technology, Ukrainian expertise, and European market connections, the project strengthens the competitiveness and resilience of Ukraine’s soft fruit sector. It creates employment, improves quality and sustainability standards, and establishes long-term export capacity for berries produced under responsible, climate-adaptive conditions — laying the foundation for a future-proof, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable horticultural industry in Ukraine.