Volyn Farmer Develops Profitable Hazelnut Business Thanks to Government Grant

Volyn farmer Stepan Pas has expanded his hazelnut production and processing thanks to a government grant of 250,000 hryvnias. With this funding, he purchased modern equipment for nut processing, significantly increasing the efficiency of his farm.

This is reported by AgroReview

Growing Hazelnuts: The Path to Own Business

Stepan Pas has seven years of experience in hazelnut cultivation. After serving in the army and working for ten years on a collective farm, he acquired three hectares of land that had long remained unused. Over time, the farmer decided to plant the area with hazelnuts, taking advantage of the government subsidy program for seedlings. The state compensated 80 hryvnias for each seedling, covering half of their cost. Initially, 4,500 seedlings were planted over an area of 6.5 hectares in 2018. The first harvest was obtained five years later.

“We harvested half a ton the year before last, which was the fifth year of the orchard. In the sixth year, last year, we harvested 3 tons. This year we are planning to harvest 4, maybe 4.5 tons,” says the farmer.

Modern Harvesting and Processing Technologies

In his farm, Stepan Pas grows three varieties of hazelnuts that are best suited to the climatic conditions of Volyn. This year, the nut harvest started later due to weather conditions; however, thanks to new plantings and tree growth, a larger yield is expected than last year. Care for the orchard continues year-round—hazelnuts require regular protection from pests, especially due to the increased humidity in the region.

The harvesting process is highly mechanized: after ripening, the nuts fall to the ground, where they are collected by a special vacuum that separates debris and leaves from the clean fruits. According to worker Ihor Kovalchuk, this significantly eases the labor and increases productivity.

Local residents participate in the hazelnut harvest. In particular, 63-year-old Anna Taranuk collects about 80 kilograms of nuts daily, allowing her to earn additional income.

The harvested hazelnuts are processed, packaged, and supplied to stores by the farmer. Thanks to the grant, he plans to set up a new production facility and launch a full line for sorting, cleaning, roasting, and packaging nuts, which will enhance the competitiveness of his products in the market.