From September 13 to 22, 2025, an Ukrainian delegation of twenty participants traveled to the German state of Lower Saxony as part of the “German-Ukrainian Cooperation on Organic Farming (COA)” project. The aim of the study tour was to learn about the diversity and innovative strength of organic farming in northern Germany and to gather ideas for the further development of the organic sector in Ukraine.
In just five days, the group visited sixteen very different farms and organizations – from the world's largest organic juice company to mills and cooperative processing plants to pioneers in organic plant and animal breeding. At the organic farms visited, some of which have been operating organically for decades, the focus was on milk and cheese production, vegetable and fruit growing, vegetable boxes, communal land ownership, and farm communities. The program was rounded off by visits to organic hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets, which showed how deeply the principles of organic farming are rooted in the region.
A particular highlight was dinner with Lower Saxony's Minister of Agriculture, Miriam Staudte. Equally unforgettable was the great hospitality of the farms that opened their doors, shared their experiences, and treated their guests to organically produced products from their own production and home cooking. The Ukrainian participants were deeply impressed by the professionalism, innovative spirit, and openness with which they were received. Experience and knowledge that can now be carried back to Ukraine. The conclusion of the trip is clear: Ukraine has the potential to reach a new level in organic production in the near future and to firmly anchor itself in the European family.
Dr. Stefan Dreesmann, project manager of the German-Ukrainian Cooperation on Organic Farming, emphasized:
"This expert information trip has shown how vibrant, diverse, and future-oriented organic farming is in Lower Saxony. Our Ukrainian partners were able to take away valuable insights – both technical and personal. The intensive exchange made it clear that organic farming connects people across borders. We are confident that Ukraine will continue successfully on the path it has chosen."
The expert information trip marked another important step for exchange and cooperation between Germany and Ukraine in the field of organic farming. The organizing team led by Dr. Stefan Dreesmann, Oleksandr Kaliberda, and Yuliia Sliepenkova from the “German-Ukrainian Cooperation in Organic Farming” project would like to thank all participating farms and institutions for their support. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity.
