Crop Protection Products for Berries in Ukraine: How Area Changes Affect Demand (2023–2025)

The Ukrainian plant protection market in the berry industry is becoming more segmented. The areas of individual crops are changing unevenly, making a universal approach to crop protection product ranges less effective than a focus on specific crops, regions, and cultivation technologies.

According to research on Ukraine's berry and nut sectors, in 2023–2025, the area of maturing raspberry and blackberry plantations increased from 4.5 thousand hectares to 4.9 thousand hectares, while currant plantations grew from 3.1 thousand hectares to 3.2 thousand hectares. Meanwhile, strawberry and garden strawberry areas decreased from 6.9 thousand hectares to 6 thousand hectares.

Where demand for crop protection products may shift

For fungicide, herbicide, and insecticide suppliers, it is crucial not only to monitor the overall berry planting areas but also to understand which crops constitute a larger share of farmers’ inquiries. The growth in raspberry, blackberry, and currant areas indicates that these segments may require increased attention in seasonal supply planning.

At the same time, the reduction in strawberry and garden strawberry areas does not automatically mean a decline in demand for crop protection in this niche. Intensive cultivation technologies, high planting density, and growing on film or in protected ground can sustain steady demand for specialized products even with smaller areas.

For AgroPost sellers, a practical takeaway is straightforward: product listings should clearly specify the crop application, active ingredient, formulation, packaging, and availability. For buyers, this reduces search time and minimizes the risk of purchasing a product incompatible with their technology.

Areas and yield: what suppliers should consider

The largest area among the studied berry and nut crops is walnuts — 13.3 thousand hectares. Hazelnut areas in 2023–2025 remained relatively stable at 1.5–1.6 thousand hectares, while blueberry and bilberry plantations decreased from 1.6 thousand hectares to 1.3 thousand hectares.

Among berry and nut crops, gooseberry showed the highest yield in 2025 — 85.3 centners/ha. The lowest yield recorded in the study was for hazelnuts — 10.5 centners/ha.

For the crop protection market, these figures are not direct sales forecasts but help assess where targeted protection requests may arise. High-yielding or technologically intensive crops typically require more attentive management; however, specific protection schemes should be determined solely based on crop type, growth stage, weather conditions, and registered products.

What crop protection buyers should pay attention to

• Check the registration of the product for the specific crop. Berry crops have different requirements for application, waiting periods, and residue limits.
• Plan purchases ahead of peak treatment periods. Delays in supply during berry cultivation can be more costly than price differences between suppliers.
• Clarify packaging and container sizes. Small volumes may be important for small-scale berry farms, while professional producers often seek stable batches.
• Compare not only prices but also the completeness of information. Descriptions of active ingredients, application rates, and intended crops help make quicker decisions.

What sellers on AgroPost should update

Crop protection product sellers should differentiate offers for berry crops not by a general list but by practical inquiries: fungicides for berries, herbicides for inter-row treatments, insecticides for horticultural and berry sectors, products for professional farms, and smaller producers.

It is also important to specify whether the product is available, in which region it can be picked up or delivered, and whether consultation on selection is available. For seasonal buyers, this information is often as important as the price itself.

What this means for the market: the structure of berry plantings in Ukraine is changing, and the crop protection market must respond more precisely. Demand will increasingly depend not on the general category “berries,” but on specific crops, cultivation technologies, and quick access to the required product.