As appeared in the Leamington Southpoint Sun - Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Leamington farmers are reaching across the ocean to lend a hand to fellow greenhouse farmers in Ukraine who are part of a development project led by Waterloo-based MEDA – Mennonite Economic Development Associates.

The Leamington chapter of MEDA will host a delegation of 16 greenhouse growers and project staff of UHDP – Ukraine Horticultural Development Project – for a 10-day visit to Leamington area greenhouse farms, buyers and co- ops from May 29 to June 7.

With the largest concentration of greenhouses in North America and more than 1,500 acres “under cover”, the Leamington area is known as the greenhouse capital of North America – and the tomato capital of Canada.

Leamington chapter members have shown a keen interest in the Ukraine project, raising more than $15,000 to help increase productivity and profitability for 5,000 Ukraine farmers. Now they are looking forward to sharing their in- sight and expertise with others who are facing the same chal- lenges they have already successfully overcome.

“The greenhouses in the Leamington area are 20-30 years ahead of Ukraine,” notes Nigel Motts, MEDA’s director of agriculture market linkages. “Over the past 15-20 years, they have gone through the same transformation to new technolo- gies that their Ukraine colleagues are now trying to accomplish. On both sides of the ocean, growers recognize that adopting new technology gives you an edge in the market.”

“All farmers are very proud of their farms, and happy to share their experiences,” adds Katie Turner, senior consultant/project manager. “Now the Leamington hosts can show their guests from the Ukraine the potential they have to grow. Upon their return to Ukraine, the group will share what they have learned with other farmers – so their new knowledge will reach all project clients and partners.

The project also has a strong focus on women, says Ka- tie. “We have just created a gender innovation fund to sup- port women small-holder farmers. To date, 147 women have received small grants to purchase the essential agriculture technology they need to improve their production.”

UHDP now boasts more than 3,350 clients – small farm- ers who are working to increase their incomes and move towards a more prosperous future. MEDA supporters are helping them restore Ukraine to its former glory as the breadbasket of Europe.

Recent highlights of the project’s success include:

• Income among UHDP farmers has risen 19% to date (project target is 20%).
• UHDP crops – greenhouse vegetables, table grapes and berries – have produced positive yields and revenues.
• 30% purchased agricultural assets (sprayers, drills, roto- tillers, etc) in the last year.
• 73% have successfully applied what they have learned from the project.
• 20% increase in participation in consolidation activities – improving prices, reducing costs and sharing transporta- tion and storage facilities.
• 3,000 Ukraine farmers are increasing their incomes through the development of intensive, high-value crops.