Agricultural Competitiveness and Enterprise Development Project (ACED) Status Assessment and Strategy for Developing Greenhouse Facilities

The project's strategy goals include extending the production and marketing season in spring and fall, increasing total income, and improving marketable output. Implementation goals focus on improving greenhouse design, extending production periods through environmental control, and reducing costs. The current situation in Moldova, a country with similar climate and geography to Ukraine, was assessed during the project. The country's greenhouse vegetable industry faces challenges such as poor greenhouse design, inadequate heating systems, and limited market access. The author has reviewed several reports, including the Protected Cultivation of Vegetables in Moldova census report, 2009, and the Using Alternative Sources of Energy for Greenhouse Vegetable Production compendium. Moldova's climate is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with adequate sunlight available most of the year. The country's soils are excellent for crop growth, with good drainage, moderate pH, and a wide array of natural nutrition. However, most greenhouses visited were of poor quality, with extremely low eaves and roof lines, and inadequate ventilation. The project recommends improving greenhouse design and construction, including ventilation systems, to reduce costs and improve crop quality. The use of double-layered, air-supported polyethylene covers is also recommended. Additionally, the project suggests developing a monthly newsletter to educate small tomato growers and a Train-the-Trainer program to improve grower skills. Implementation goals include improving greenhouse design, extending production periods through environmental control, and reducing costs. The project also aims to improve crop quality and quantity, particularly during critical spring and fall periods, and reduce heating costs. Furthermore, the project recommends developing low-cost information dissemination methods, such as newsletters and demonstrations, and improving relations with allied businesses and government systems. The project's strategy goals and implementation goals are aimed at improving the competitiveness of the greenhouse vegetable industry in Ukraine and Moldova. By addressing the challenges faced by small tomato growers, the project aims to increase their income and improve their market access.