Ukraine farmers discover ‘new reality’ in Canada

Ukraine farmers recently discovered a new reality in Leamington, ON -- one of openness, trust, cooperation and warm hospitality -- when 16 participants and staff in MEDA’s Ukraine Horticulture Development Project (UHDP) visited local greenhouse growers to learn about farming in Canada.

And what better place than in Leamington, known as the “greenhouse capital of North America,” where greenhouses are 20-30 years ahead of Ukraine?

Senior consultant/project manager Katie Turner, who worked with MEDA’s Leamington chapter to organize the visit, reflected on the experience.

“Members of the group were amazed by their Leamington hosts – their information sharing was so transparent and encouraging. They were struck by the outpouring of support from 150 people who attended a benefit dinner held for UHDP – 75% of whom have roots in Ukraine. And many were touched by the cooperation, trust and hospitality they saw – people were always smiling and happy.”

In the short term, the Ukraine farmers will be sharing what they have learned with others back home, but Katie is confident there also will be many other positive outcomes over the coming years.

Gennadiy Rommanenko, a lead farmer from Zaporizhzhia, is anxious to share what he has learned. “I will talk to my cell group members about the trip; I will take part in seminars to share information on technology but also on the attitude in Canada.”

Oleg Osaulyuk, UHDP deputy project manager, noted, “By developing your business you develop the whole economy.  We saw the important factor is that the Canadian economy is based on the private sector.  The government doesn’t regulate, people aren’t waiting for help from the government – this issue did not even come up during the visit.

“Farmers talked a lot about technology, but at every meeting farmers said how they are market driven, based on what the client needs or wants, or what the marketer told them. In Canada, the marketer is not the enemy; they are your counterpart – this informal cooperation is very common and can be seen every step of the way.”