"Food for thought," a family-run company from Poltava, Ukraine, grows organic walnuts with a full farm-to-table approach. Founded in 2015, it combines sustainable cultivation with modern processing to ensure high-quality, eco-friendly products.
The first walnut saplings were planted in 2016, using Ukrainian-bred varieties such as Yablunivsky, Bukovinsky 1 and 2, Rudkivsky, and Toporivsky, chosen for their adaptation to the local forest-steppe climate. Today, their orchard spans 38 hectares, with plans to expand while perfecting every stage of the production cycle.
"Organic walnut farming is more complex than conventional agriculture. It requires systematic care, using only certified organic inputs in a precise sequence to achieve maximum results," explains the grower.
Initially, the founders did not plan for processing, but over time, full-cycle production proved the most efficient approach. "Selling raw walnuts is difficult and inefficient. We collect, wash, dry, shell, and package the nuts ourselves before retail distribution. For now, deeper processing, like oil production, remains a future consideration."
The farm uses modern equipment from the French company AMB Rousset for washing, drying, sorting, and shelling, supplemented in 2024 with new machinery to complete the washing and calibration stages. Packaging is handled on Chinese-made equipment capable of producing bags of various sizes and weights, ensuring high-quality finished products. The processing facility itself is built to German standards and adheres to HACCP certification. The farm employs nine specialists overseeing the entire cycle.
A key factor in product quality is cultivation practice. The farm does not irrigate beyond initial planting; instead, it relies on natural rainfall, with soil management techniques that optimize moisture retention during the first five years. This method supports efficient maintenance and timely work across the orchard.
Currently, "Food for Thought" sells its walnuts in Ukraine, but the team is exploring export opportunities. They attend trade shows and industry events to establish international contacts and understand market requirements.
Source: techhorticulture.com