Ukraine builds cold storage to boost potato sector and support small farmers

UKRAINE – A modern cold storage facility is set to take shape in the Chernihiv region of northern Ukraine, marking a key step in the country’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its agricultural backbone.

Agroholding LNZ, working with the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), will oversee the construction of the 10,000-tonne complex in the Bobrovytsia territorial community.

The choice of Bobrovytsia was not random. The area offers strong potential for potato farming and lies close to major regional markets.

The facility will feature controlled atmosphere and temperature systems that meet European standards. These upgrades are meant to extend the shelf life of potatoes, improve quality, and lower storage losses.

Ukraine’s small and medium-sized farms often face a common problem: lack of access to quality storage. This forces them to sell their harvest soon after collection, usually at low prices. The new facility seeks to change that.

“This storage complex will give small farmers better control over when and how they sell,” said a representative from USAID ERA. “They will not have to rush into poor deals because their potatoes can now last longer in proper conditions.”

By serving as a shared resource, the cold storage unit is expected to reduce food waste, improve market timing, and open doors to higher-value buyers both at home and abroad. It also aligns with broader efforts to boost food security and rural employment.

The Ukrainian government has identified potatoes as one of the main crops to support economic recovery. The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food continues to call for investment in key areas like seed production, storage, and processing.

The Chernihiv facility fits into this larger plan to move Ukraine away from reliance on imports and toward self-sufficiency.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2025, with the facility likely to be ready by the following season. Once in use, it will serve as a hub for the region, helping farmers reduce losses and plan their sales more effectively.

Private sector milestone in the UK

Meanwhile, in the UK, Biofresh Safestore is marking its 21st year in the potato storage industry. The company is offering a 10 percent discount to attendees of the upcoming Strategic Potato Storage Day, scheduled for 21 May at Fleet Lodge Farm, Holbeach. This follows the success of a similar offer during its 20th anniversary.

Jeremy Barraclough, Operations Director at Biofresh Safestore, shared his thoughts ahead of the event. “We are really looking forward to the Strategic Potato Storage Day. Potato Storage Insight has put together a very interesting series of talks and presentations, and it will be a great chance for us to celebrate our 21 years of helping store managers extend the life of their potatoes,” he said.

Since 2004, the company has installed systems that manage more than half a million tonnes of potatoes.

Their ethylene-based sprout control solution remains a residue-free option in the post-CIPC era. It is now widely used across Europe, not just in pre-pack but also for processing varieties.

The Strategic Potato Storage Day will also include a field trial presentation by SDF Agriculture, Potato Storage Insight, and the University of Greenwich.

Topics such as energy use and storage efficiency will take center stage, giving participants a chance to learn and share knowledge as the sector adapts to current and future needs.

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