GS “UKRSADVINPROM” celebrated its 10th anniversary by hosting a national roundtable titled “Local Grape Varieties: Heritage, Sustainable Development, and Rural Development.”
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, industry associations, academia, the retail sector, the HoReCa sector, winemaking enterprises, and experts from the agricultural sector.
Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk congratulated the Union on behalf of the ministry, noting UKRSADVINPROM’s contribution to the development of horticulture, viticulture, and winemaking in Ukraine.
Roundtable participants discussed the development of local grape varieties as a means of preserving Ukrainian identity, cultural heritage, and regional distinctiveness. It was noted that the competitiveness of Ukrainian winemaking should be built not only around the “Made in Ukraine” principle but also around the “Developed in Ukraine” approach, where domestic breeding achievements become part of the national brand.
Particular attention was paid to the need to create a Grape Register and conduct a comprehensive inventory of vineyards in accordance with EU approaches. Meeting these requirements could open up access for Ukraine to European industry support instruments following the country’s accession to the European Union.
Vladimir Pechko, Chairman of the “UKRSADVINPROM” Public Association, noted an alarming trend of shrinking vineyard areas. According to him, approximately 10,000 hectares are currently under vine in Ukraine, a situation that requires additional attention from both the government and the industry.
Participants in the event also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukrainian producers amid the war, developing craft winemaking, promoting Ukrainian wines in domestic and international markets, and enabling producers to participate in international exhibitions, professional presentations, and tasting events.
The “UKRSADVINPROM” General Association brings together participants in the horticulture, viticulture, and winemaking sectors; it participates in promoting Ukrainian products, developing industry policy, and protecting the interests of producers.
