Showcasing the impact and contributions of Ukrainian women to the organic sector.
Female leaders from business, industry, NGOs, and policy making institutions in Ukraine shared insights on achievements and challenges faced under the current conditions of war during an 90-minutes event on Biofach 2024, the world biggest trade fair for organic products in Nürnberg, Germany. Key themes included the organic legislation process, higher value-added products, networking activities and active help for civilians effected by the war. The event was moderated by Elisabeth Christine Rüegg and Anastasiia Pivniuk.
According to Maryna Kyslytska, Head of the State Policy Division on Organic Production at the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, the agricultural situation of the country has severly been impacted by the war. Two million hectares of agricultural areas are presently mined and no funding is available for state support programs. Additionally, high logistics costs and ongoing export risks persist, alongside reduced purchasing power due to war-related economic problems. Consequently, the number of foreign certification bodies has decreased due to warfare. And with the enforcement of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 by 2025, producers will need certification confirming full compliance with EU legislation to continue exporting organic products to the EU.
A recent gender study of the organic sector in Ukraine revealed that women are increasingly excelling in traditionally male-dominated fields, debunking myths and creating successful examples that deserve support and recognition. Olena Deineko, Head of the Board of the Organic Initiative Public Association, emphasized the importance of promoting specialties and university/college faculties among girls and their parents to increase the representation of qualified female professionals in traditionally male-dominated fields. “There is a strong need to develop infrastructure in the organic sector that encourages unity, experience sharing, mutual assistance, and support among women aiming to become managers and entrepreneurs” she stated.
The event also featured a special 8-minutes video spotlighting Ukrainian women's achievements across different fields, emphasizing their roles as change-makers and leaders in the organic sector. The video also included personal stories, with the aim of inspiring and raising awareness about the accomplishments and challenges confronted by women in Ukraine (link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oBtxVAiK1o)
A panel discussion featuring four female leaders from the organic sector provided a platform for Ukrainian women to engage with participants, introducing strategies for improvement and identifying areas needing support. Here are some of the key statements made during the discussion:
Iryna Kukhtina, Head of Innovative Farming and Cooperation Public Union/ President of Ukrainian Berries Association: “Ukrainian organic exporters continue to seek and find solutions to continue export activities, improve product quality and strengthen marketing, despite numerous challenges such as power cuts, complicated logistics, lack of skilled workers who have joined the army or fled the country, border blockades and many other obstacles caused by the war.”
Olena Stretovych, Director of Organic Milk LLC: “Amidst the upheaval of war, our journey from local to global organic markets was spurred by the heartbreaking reality of our main customers, women with children, fleeing the war, compounded by challenges such as decreased purchasing power and the military mobilisation of skilled personnel. Today, we proudly export organic products to Poland, Germany, and Ireland with plans to reach shelves in England and the USA, and believe that our high quality organic products deserve a place in the world's supermarkets.”
Anastasiya Volkova, Head of Permaculture in Ukraine NGO: “The mission of Permaculture in Ukraine is to promote sustainable living in small communities and protect the right of residents to a healthy environment through permaculture development. Despite challenges posed by the war, the organization is striving to continue its mission by focusing on regenerative practices, community resilience, and educational programs. Partnerships with organizations like COA are crucial for accessing donor support, which is vital for implementing projects, providing resources, and building networks to further their mission in Ukraine.”
Kseniia Guliyeva, COA national long-term expert: “The war in Ukraine has impacted the organic sector and led to a decrease in the number of operators, despite the financial support from various sides. Additionally, conducting organic controls in all parts of Ukraine may be challenging due to the conflict's impact on infrastructure and resources. However, strong efforts are being made by the Ukrainian certification bodies to continue controls where feasible.”,
The event concluded with the presentation of polling results among the participants and final remarks from the moderators, urging everyone to remain engaged with Ukraine and to remember the country's ongoing challenges. Ukraine will require our continued support to thrive as a prosperous nation with a thriving organic production sector.
The event was organized by "German-Ukrainian Cooperation in Organic Farming” COA and Swiss-Ukrainian Program “Higher Value Added Trade from the Organic and Dairy Sectors in Ukraine” QFTP.
