Ten niche crops are the most popular export positions

A detailed study of the potential of fruit and vegetable sector was carried out within the framework of a joint FAO-EBRD project "Improving the access of Ukrainian agribusiness to export markets." The top 10 export niche crops were identified.

Ukrainian producers today are paying more attention to niche crops production. In this case, it is both about vegetables, and about fruit and berries. This trend is due to several factors. First of all, the agrarians' interest in the production of such products is dictated by the growing demand in the country, because most of these vegetables and fruit fall into the section of so-called "healthy foods." Moreover, the trend of a healthy lifestyle is rapidly gaining popularity in other countries.

"At the same time, the climatic conditions and geographical location of Ukraine make such products both quite promising for cultivation and for export," the report said.

The top 10 niche crops are as follows:

• sweet potato;
• asparagus;
• pumpkin;
• red and black currant;
• cherry;
• pears;
• sweet pepper;
• napa cabbage;
• cauliflower;
• broccoli.

Reference: prices for Ukrainian blueberries fell by 30% in the first week of sales.