News » 28.11.2025 - Ukraine launches first systematic greenhouse training program for farmers

Climate change is driving the adoption of protected cultivation in Ukraine, making greenhouse production a strategic priority for the country's agricultural sector. To support farmers, AgriAcademy, a free online learning platform backed by the EBRD and FAO, has launched "Greenhouse Agro Solutions", the first comprehensive educational program on modern greenhouse production in Ukraine.

The course, designed by Ukrainian experts, targets farmers, advisors, lecturers, and students. It covers greenhouse types, covering materials, orientation, site selection, and energy-efficient solutions tailored to different regions. Special modules focus on biological protection, natural fertilization, disease prevention, and the use of microbial products in modern greenhouses.

Course authors emphasize the importance of energy efficiency in heating systems. In the past, Soviet-era greenhouses required 500–600 W/m² for heating, but rising energy costs make this unsustainable today. Modern greenhouses must minimize energy consumption while optimizing cover systems and heat retention.

The program also addresses integrated system design. Participants learn to manage production as a complete system, combining agronomic, engineering, environmental, and economic knowledge. This approach equips farmers to handle crop production, climate control, automation, water management, and market integration simultaneously.

According to Olena Boltovska, project manager at Rosana Biological Solutions, the course reflects nearly 30 years of experience in protected cultivation. "Current climate conditions demand solutions that ensure reliable yields with high quality and low production costs. Greenhouses are the key to achieving this," she explains.

Alexander Kiyanovsky, owner of ECO TEK GROUP, adds: "Efficient heating and energy-saving covers are central. Systems must reduce heat loss and retain energy, enabling economically viable production under today's conditions."

Greenhouse Agro Solutions integrates insights from leading Ukrainian and international experts, aiming to train a new generation of farmers capable of running modern, energy-efficient, and profitable greenhouse operations in a changing climate.

AgriAcademy, established by the EBRD in December 2022 as part of Ukraine's food security support program, provides free access to agricultural education. Its goal is to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Ukrainian agriculture following significant war-related disruptions.
 

 

Source: www.floraldaily.com

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