An increasing number of Ukrainian farmers are reducing strawberry production or abandoning the crop altogether. Producers cite severe labor shortages, rising wage costs, higher prices for fertilizers and crop protection products, and growing logistics expenses as the main reasons. As a result, profitability in the strawberry sector is declining, particularly for small and medium-sized farms.
Strawberries remain one of the most labor-intensive berry crops. Many production processes, including field maintenance and harvesting, still rely heavily on manual labor. Due to military mobilization and labor migration, farmers are experiencing growing difficulties in finding seasonal workers during the peak harvest period. Consequently, some producers are shifting to less labor-demanding crops or reducing cultivation areas.
Weather-related risks have also become a major challenge. In recent years, producers have faced recurring spring frosts, prolonged heat waves, and moisture shortages. These conditions increase irrigation and crop protection costs while raising the risk of yield losses. At the same time, the strawberry market remains highly sensitive to fluctuations in supply and demand, making profitability forecasts increasingly difficult.
Despite the reduction in cultivated acreage, experts do not expect a shortage of strawberries on the domestic market in the near future. Large specialized producers continue investing in modern cultivation technologies, drip irrigation systems, and protected growing facilities. Analysts believe the industry is undergoing structural transformation, with smaller producers leaving the market while professional berry farms focus on improving efficiency and expanding production capacity.