Ukraine Invests in Modern Potato Storage Amid Agricultural Recovery Efforts
A modern storage facility with a capacity of up to 10,000 tonnes will be built in the Chernihiv region of northern Ukraine, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the country’s agricultural infrastructure and boost the competitiveness of its potato sector.
The project is being implemented by Agroholding LNZ, in cooperation with USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) program. The construction is planned for the Bobrovytsia territorial community, a location chosen for its potato-growing potential and proximity to major regional markets.
The new storage complex will be equipped with controlled atmosphere and temperature technologies that meet modern European standards. It is designed to improve post-harvest handling and extend the shelf life of potatoes while minimizing storage losses—a critical step toward improving value chain efficiency in Ukraine’s potato industry.
Enhancing Self-Sufficiency and Market Access
The facility will serve local small and medium-sized farms, which often lack access to high-quality storage and are therefore forced to sell their crop immediately after harvest, often at disadvantageous prices. By providing a centralized cold storage hub, the project aims to strengthen farmers’ bargaining power, reduce post-harvest waste, and improve year-round supply reliability for both domestic and export markets.
In a statement, USAID ERA emphasized that the project is part of a strategic effort to increase Ukraine’s food resilience, especially in regions affected by ongoing geopolitical and logistical disruptions. The U.S.-funded initiative continues to support infrastructure development in Ukraine’s agri-food sector, with potatoes recognized as a key crop for food security and rural employment.
Part of a Broader Agricultural Recovery Strategy
Ukraine has identified potatoes as a priority sector for post-war economic recovery, with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food encouraging investment in seed production, storage, and processing infrastructure. The Chernihiv project represents one of several recent moves aimed at transitioning the country from an import-reliant potato economy to a self-sufficient and export-capable producer.
Once operational, the Bobrovytsia facility is expected to become a regional logistics and storage hub, helping farmers reduce losses, plan sales more strategically, and gain access to higher-value markets.
Construction is expected to begin later in 2025, with commissioning targeted for the following season.
