This season, imported fruits will dominate the shelves of Ukrainian stores. One of the key reasons is the return of spring frosts, which caused up to 90% crop loss in the peach orchards of Green Technology Ltd, located just 25 km from Odesa, EastFruit informs.
The company estimates a loss of approximately 120 tonnes of market-ready produce, amounting to roughly UAH 7.2 million in revenue. As a result, not only will Ukrainian consumers be deprived of domestic fruit, but the State Budget will also miss out on an estimated UAH 1.2 million in VAT alone — excluding other taxes and employment losses. This was reported in an interview with SEEDS by Dmytro Ostapenko, Managing Director of Green Technology Ltd.
Frost Impact and Crop Losses
– Could you explain the state of the orchard at the time of the temperature drop? What phase were the peach trees in? How did the frost occur, and were there any meteorological warnings?
The orchard began blooming in early April and was in full bloom when the first and most destructive wave of frost struck due to a cyclone. The frost lasted for six nights — from April 7 to 13.
On the night of April 10, we recorded a minimum temperature of –6.6°C in the orchard. Weather apps had forecasted the cyclone several days in advance.
Spring frosts typically occur on clear, windless nights when the ground rapidly loses the heat accumulated during the day through thermal radiation to the atmosphere and, subsequently, into the open sky.
Dmytro Ostapenko, Managing Director of Green Technology Ltd.
This leads to a sharp drop in the air temperature near the ground surface, creating a temperature inversion — where lower air layers become colder than the upper ones. The temperature difference can reach several degrees even at a height of just 5 meters.
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– You mentioned losing 90% of the peach crop — about 120 tonnes. How has this affected your business?
Although I generally dislike using hypotheticals, yes, we were preparing for a harvest of approximately 120 tonnes. This situation has had a negative impact on the business.
Regardless of whether we have a harvest, we must continue orchard maintenance — green pruning, pesticide treatments, irrigation, and fertilization. This year, all those expenses have turned into losses. Additionally, the state budget will lose at least UAH 1.2 million in VAT revenue, not counting other taxes and job losses.
We don’t have access to nationwide statistics to assess the total damage, but it’s clear the losses are enormous.
– Were other crops affected, such as grapes?
During the first wave of frosts, grapevines had not yet started to vegetate. In the second wave, at the end of April, temperatures dropped slightly to –2°C. We know how to minimize damage at such temperatures, so grapes were barely affected.
– Have you contacted government authorities to request compensation or official documentation of your losses?
No, I have no experience dealing with state institutions. I understand that such efforts would require a great deal of time and stress, while I need to focus on cultivating what remains.
Frost Protection Technologies
– You mentioned that modern frost protection technologies, such as wind machines, are rarely used in Ukraine. Why do you think local farmers don’t apply them?
There are several protection methods available today. For our conditions, the most effective is wind machines, which can raise the temperature by 5–7°C. Their working principle is to direct warmer air from about 10 meters above the ground downwards, raising the overall orchard temperature, as upper air layers are several degrees warmer.
This year, we only harvested fruit from the tops of the trees. Our trees are 4 meters tall.
I believe, after this year’s painful experience, more orchardists will begin to adopt this technology. Scientific research and international practice show that wind machines offer the best efficiency-to-cost ratio.
– Had you considered installing frost protection systems before?
Yes, I thoroughly studied how these systems work and made contacts with several manufacturers at trade shows. The system requires significant initial investment. Unfortunately, it does not qualify for grants or reimbursements.
Given current conditions, we do not have sufficient liquidity to fund such equipment 100%. Depending on the manufacturer, the starting price is around €70,000.
– What would be required to make technologies like wind machines, heaters, and misting systems more accessible to Ukrainian orchardists?
A well-planned and effective government support program is essential. For example, in Romagna (Italy), a region that grows peaches and nectarines, the regional government covers 70% of the cost of such machines. They also have a regional frost alert system.
Moreover, orchardists and winemakers receive compensation for losses from extreme weather events.
Wider Market Consequences
– You mentioned that consumers will see more imports on store shelves due to frost. What broader consequences will reverse frosts have on Ukraine’s fruit market this season?
“More often” is actually an understatement. Over 90% of stone fruits in supermarkets are imported. This is despite Ukraine’s enormous climatic potential — not only to replace imports during the domestic season (July–September) but also to become a strong global competitor.
– How do you assess the level of horticultural support in Ukraine compared to EU countries?
I can’t speak for all horticulture. But when it comes to peaches, nectarines, and table grapes, the situation is dismal. Objectively, European producers have major advantages in this sector.
Recommendations for Farmers
– What would you advise fellow farmers for future seasons? Which frost protection technologies do you find most promising?
To quote Taras Shevchenko: “Struggle — and you shall overcome!”
The problem of return frosts has been well-studied in developed countries. Numerous scientific works have been written on it. There are several methods to prevent damage to blossoms and fruit.
Currently, the two most effective methods are wind machines and overhead sprinkling. Sprinkling involves dispersing fine droplets over the orchard. When water freezes on the plants, it forms an ice shell. The freezing of 1 gram of water releases 80 calories of heat, which — in large volumes — can significantly raise temperatures.
This technology is widely used in northern countries like the Netherlands and Poland but requires substantial water consumption — over 50 m³ per hour per hectare.
However, in our conditions, wind machines are the most efficient solution. This technology has already been successfully implemented in many European orchards with state support. That is one of the main advantages foreign producers have over Ukrainian ones — and the reason why this season’s shelves in Ukraine will be filled mostly with imported fruits.
Green Technology Ltd specializes in intensive cultivation of peaches and table grapes. Its orchard is located in the village of Baraboi, 25 km from Odesa. The enterprise employs intensive European technologies in its production. Its mission is to reduce the share of imports in the domestic market for table grapes and peaches.
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