Arnika launched the sowing campaign

Photo by: Арника

Organic soybean, corn and winter wheat take up the major part in the crop structure. The Agri-Industrial Group Arnika launched the spring field works. Since March 21 active work on the closure of moisture, soil plowing, mulching, etc. have been carried out in the fields.

This was reported by the press service of the company.

In the new season, the company plans to use 5.7 thousand hectares of certified organic land and another 5.5 thousand hectares of land are currently in the transition period. The main part in the crops structure is occupied by organic soybeans, corn and winter wheat.

For the third consecutive year, the company has been increasing the production of organic hemp. Besides, this year Arnika introduces several new crop varieties in organic production.

"This season, for the first time, we will sow chickpeas and lentils on the area of about 300 hectares, and flaxseed on the area of 200 hectares. Also, as an experiment, we will sow such rare for Ukraine varieties as lathyrus and vetch. We intend to develop an optimal organic technology for growing these crops during the year and introduce them into our crop rotation", said Chief Agronomist of  Arnika Agri-Industrial Group Sergei Sereda to Latifundist.com.

According to the company's representatives, R.A.G.T and  KWS companies` seeds will be used for corn sowing, and as for the chickpeas, the seeds of Israeli selection will be used. Traditionally, the Soy Research Institute, which is part of the company's structure, will provide soybean and hemp seeds.

As it was earlier informed, during 2016 the Agri-Industrial Group Arnika invested €1.5 million in preparation for the sowing campaign, and in the period from the 4th quarter of 2016 to the 1st quarter of 2017 another €1 million was invested.

In addition, in order to ensure high quality refining and storage of organic products the company invested about €500 thousand in the equipment of organic warehouses, cleaning machines and dryers.

"After many years of experimenting with organics, which resulted in successful outcome and valuable experience, the Founder of Arnika Andrei Pilipchenko decided in the new season to focus on the highly productive wide-cut agricultural machinery in organic agriculture. Besides, we have ensured the high quality arrangement of the organic elevator and grain processing equipment", said Oleg Maksak, Executive Officer of Arnika Agroholding.

A significant amount for the sowing campaign was attracted with the help of financial partners. In particular, Arnika received loans from OTP Bank, KREDOBANK and ProCredit Bank.

"These banks own foreign capital, so they have credit resources to support their clients. It is always pleasant to deal with highly qualified specialists who take into account the peculiarities of our production and are ready for effective cooperation", summed up the Financial Officer of Arnika.

Here is to remind that Arnika is the leading exporter of domestic organic products to the Swiss and German markets.