Ukrainian veterans embark on Dutch tulip farm visits 

Photo credit: NH Media.

Agroberichten, the newsletter of the network o Dutch agricultural counsellors worldwide, reports on a group of Ukrainian veterans who embarked on flower farm visits in the Netherlands this month. The visit, an initiative of the Netherlands For Ukraine Foundation and The Leeuw Kyiv Foundation with support of the  Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine provided a behind-the-scenes look at Dutch tulip companies. In the longer run, the aim is further exchange of knowledge and increase interest in floriculture. Hopefully, it can help the veterans gain trust in rebuilding their professional lives.

Friday 8 March marked International Womens’ Day in Ukraine, one of the top flower giving holidays in the country. At the same time, the cooperation between the Netherlands and Ukraine in the floricultural sector is not limited to cut flowers only. It also includes supply of wide range of planting materials, technologies and equipment for open field and greenhouse production.

Photo credit: NH Media.

Dutch hortipreneurs introduced the veterans and their family members to the entire tulip forcing process of the tulips, from storing, planting and up to the sorting and packaging for further dispatch.

The tulip professionals tried to answer the many questions from the veterans about floral business in the Netherlands, the global supply chain and international cooperation.

Two years ago, many veterans used to have ordinary civilian jobs. Then, after Russia started its war against Ukraine, these brave men learned how to be soldiers and got their military specialisations.

They have open minds and learn very fast. All participants of the study tour admitted that it was a very useful visit and they actively  joined the planning of the further study tours within to project.

In case you would like to take part in the project and invite the veterans to you farm or facility, please contact Kateryna Volianska greenvolia@gmail.com