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Organic is becoming increasingly popular in Ukraine
Picture: A consumer fair with stands of the Kiev organic shop biologic.ua and FiBL. (Foto: FiBL)
In recent years Ukraine has attracted attention mainly on account of two issues connected with organic agriculture in Germany. First, an increasing proportion of organic fodder in Europe is being covered by imports from Ukraine. And second there are cases of residues and also fraud concerning the big and complex organic trade structures in the south of Ukraine, and they have never been completely cleared up. The end result is a very one-sided and rather negative image of the country. The following contribution shows that organic in Ukraine is, however, also very vibrant and diverse and that organic products are becoming increasingly popular in the country itself. The domestic market is constantly growing.
Ukrainian media and politicians love organics
Picture: Ukrainian organic farmers are engaged to inform consumers, media and politicians at numerous farmers markets Märkten and fairs (Foto: FiBL)
If until five years ago organic farming in Ukraine was almost always a response to growing demand in the west of Europe, today organic food has become firmly established within the country as well. Consumers can now buy organic products in more than 300 outlets, with the epicentre of organic marketing to be found in the capital Kiev. (List of Ukrainian outlets where you can buy organic products).
Piicture: Organic buffet in the Ukrainian Parliament.(Foto: FibL)
Growing domestic market
The outlets are supplied by 27 producers and processors in the county (list of domestic organic suppliers). The range is diverse and you find practically everything in the fresh food and packaged food ranges, although not always in sufficient quantities. So there is a need for more organic producers in Ukraine itself to fill the gaps in, for example, the supply of fruit and vegetables. This capital-intensive aspect of organic farming is still under-represented in Ukrainian organic agriculture. Supermarket chains like Auchan, Billa, Spar and Goodwine are desperately looking for more domestic producers but, so far, there has been a lack of investors and also technical know-how.
Picture: In an up-market setting, the supermarket chain Goodwine offers a wide range of organic goods produced in Ukraine (Photo: FiBL)
Alternative sales channels are becoming established
Although the specialist organic trade is still small, it is developing. Examples are the Naturboutique shops and biologic.ua, that recently launched in Kiev and, with retail space of 200 square metres over two storeys, sells all the organic goods available in Ukraine, plus selected imports. It‘s not only organic food that you find at biologic.ua – there‘s also a big department for natural cosmetics products and an organic bistro. The shop Naturboutique belongs to the same family that runs the eco-hotel Maison Blanche . The hotel has two locations: a B&B in Kiev and just outside the city.
Picture: Wholefood shop Natur-Boutique (Photo: Natur-Boutique)
A box scheme supplier now delivers fresh organic food to consumers in Kiev. The first organic restaurants, such as Glossary in Kiev, are similarly attracting an urban clientele. A catering company operated by the entrepreneur Olena Berezowska has specialised in providing organic food and beverages for parties and events. Both shops also offer their products online – a marketing channel that is gaining in importance in Ukraine because of the sometimes long distances between organic production and organic consumption.
The organic service sector is growing
The development of the organic industry is supported by professional service providers – from trade and export consultants and experts in quality management to retail sector trainers. Most of them have been trained by the FiBL project Organic Market Developement in Ukraine 2012-2016 and they are now financially independent operatives. Since 2012, FiBL in the context of the Swiss SECO project has been organising conferences and training sessions and has supported Ukrainian service providers in creating consultancy operations, field days, etc.
Picture: With training and advisory services, the entrepreneur, Olena Berezowska (on right), supports the Ukrainian retail wholefood trade. She also runs her own organic catering company (photo: FiBL)
These events have strengthened and motivated the service sector in particular. As a result, organic consultants are today, at all stages in the value chain, an important stimulus to the whole industry because they keep organising events for consumers, traders, processors and producers. Almost every week information or training events are held at national or local level that appeal to different target groups. All organic events in Ukraine.
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The determination to learn and grow seems to be hardcoded into the human genome. To observe a healthy, happy toddler is to witness this first hand. Around the time they reach their first birthday they are up on their little legs, wobbling and toddling about ever so eager to get proficiency over their new found form and keep up with their tribe around them. Such consistent efforts require a steady stream of high quality nutrients to support their growing bodies’ needs.
There’s nothing quite like a curious toddler to keep you young and on your toes. The question is how do we as parents and caregivers not only keep up with them, but stay 1-step ahead, making sure they are well nourished and cared for as they take those first enthusiastic steps into their new world?
Nature nurtures naturally and nothing beats breastmik as the ultimate superfood for your baby. Thanks to the World Health Organization breastfeeding is now encouraged for at least 2 years, and many children are enjoying the benefits of long term breastfeeding well into their toddling years. (For more information on superfoods to support breastfeeding and an abundant milk supply click…)
So, how do we ensure optimum nutrition as our babies start to progress onto solid foods?
First off beware of highly processed and sugary foods, which will have your delightful youngster pinging off the walls like a Tasmanian devil and avoid them as far as possible!
Favour instead plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Eat from the rainbow and expose them to as many colours and as much variety as possible.
Whilst most baby food options are geared towards providing basic macronutrients, a toddler should also have access to a wide array of micronutrients in order to provide the basic building blocks from which to build his or her growing body and thrive.
♥ These are my top 5 superfoods and quick superfood recipes that get the best quality nutrients into my young babes.
1. The Green Alkaliser
The Green Alkaliser provides a wide range of amino acids, the essential building blocks of protein provided by the blend of wheatgrass, barleygrass, moringa and hemp protein powders, as well as baobab providing good calcium and prebiotics.
★ How to use it?
Add a little green alkaliser into your child’s favourite juice. You can also freeze into ice lollies providing your toddler with a healthy and soothing distraction to those difficult teething days.
2. Berry Delight Super Shake
In my experience almost all children LOVE berries! What’s not to love – they are sweet and delicious, low in sugar and loaded with antioxidants. The simple way to understand antioxidants is to remember that they are pigments of colour which is why the saying ‘eat from the rainbow’ holds so much wisdom. Antioxidants prevent free radical damage, preserving youthfulness and supporting health and longevity.
★ How to use it?
This is one of our family’s favourite berry smoothie recipes:
or try out this Blissful Berry Nice-Cream
Ingredients:
400ml organic coconut milk
1C cashews
½ C coconut oil, melted
¼C Coconut Blossom Nectar
¼ C Berry Delight Super Shake
STEP 1: Blend all the ingredients together until smooth
STEP 2: Set in the freezer overnight
3. Chia Seeds with Hemp Milk
Chia seeds and hemp seeds with their omega-rich profile are the quintessential brain-fuel for your child’s growing mind. Toddlers are just beginning to explore different taste sensations, and sometimes too many flavours can be overwhelming to their senses, so remember to keep it simple.
Chia seeds with a little hemp milk may seem quite plain to your palate, but your toddler will likely love it. Add a little plain yoghurt or a teaspoon of Berry Delight Super Shake if you want to zoop it up.
4. Wheatgrass Guacamole
Avocado pear is top of the toddler’s favourite food list. It is so simple to hide a few extra minerals in the form of wheatgrass inside a simple guacamole.
5 .Super Oats Vanilla
If you are planning on taking your child out for the morning, whether it’s a quick outing to do the grocery shopping or a fun play-date, it’s good to be sure they have that extra boost to sustain their energy for a their adventurous day out (lest you end up being that mom with the tantruming toddler on the floor of the grocery aisle!) Super Oats Vanilla provides the nourishing goodness of 6 superfoods with gluten free oats for sustained energy.
♥ My top 3 tips for raising a toddler that has a healthy appreciation for healthy food.
Spend as much time playing outdoors as possible.
Even if you only have a small space, create a veggie garden, plant a few fruit trees and enlist their help in planting, weeding, growing, collecting and harvesting fresh fruit and vegetables. Kids love fresh food, and most of the time my children have had a healthy meal straight out the garden before we even get into the kitchen!
Enlist their help in the kitchen.
Bring the fruit and veg back into the kitchen and make smoothies, juices, ice lollies, dips etc together. Again you’ll most likely find that they have filled themselves up on delicious healthy fare well before they even reach the dining table. This way, not only are they eating healthy food, they are learning how to prepare healthy food, an essential life skill, and it’s been fun time spent together.
Slow down and enjoy seeing the world anew through their eyes.
By the time you are sitting down to eat chances are your toddler is off having fun exploring his or her world again, leaving you and your partner to enjoy a delicious, healthy meal together and catch a breather, knowing your youngster is super-fueled on great nutrition.
♥♥♥ And lastly, to watch a toddler in action is to witness the most energetic version of yourself running circles around yourself. You can’t beat ’em, so slow down and join them in their present moment and allow yourself to be entertained. Their gift to you is one of seeing the world anew through their eyes. ♥♥♥
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It’s time to explore the nearly undiscovered Ukraine! The timeless traditions, the awe-inspiring tourist attractions and the amicable locals turn it into a traveller’s paradise. You can find exciting activities and things to do in Ukraine to make your travel experience truly special! In this blog piece, we present the best places to visit in Ukraine exclusively for you.
Kiev (Kyiv)
Kiev is the capital of Ukraine offering a perfect glimpse of the nation. With parks, gardens and boulevards, greenery is abundant here. It is a renowned cultural, scientific, educational and industrial hub of Eastern Europe. The locals of Kiev are hospitable and helpful. This will make your travel simpler! If you ask for directions, speak English slowly. The natives are not that fluent in the English Language. Those who know Russian and Ukranian certainly have an advantage.
Lviv
Lviv, often regarded as the Ukrainian cultural centre, is a historically-rich city that was established by King Daniel of Galicia in 1256. Over the years, Jews, Germans, Poles and Ukrainians have resided here. Spend time in Lviv’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gorgeous narrow streets, magnificent churches and a pleasant atmosphere. The city of Lviv will win your heart for sure.
Uman
Uman is a city situated in central Ukraine that was first mentioned in the historical records of 1616. It is used as a pilgrimage site for Breslov Hasidic Jews, a branch pf Hasidic Jews that believes in following a strong, happy bond with God. Uman’s Sofiyivsky Park is just unignorable! It is an admirable green space founded by a wealthy Polish businessman for his beloved wife. Check out these hotspots in its premises: Flora Pavilion, Snake Fountain, Island of Anti-Circe, Elysian Fields and Valley of Giants. There are unforgettable legends linked with some of them. For instance, if you pass under the Great waterfall without getting wet, your wish will be granted. There is a good omen connected to the Grotto of Calypso, a huge granite monolith that fulfils wishes.
Khotyn
Khotyn is one of the oldest towns of Ukraine. Quite rapidly, it turned into a relevant defense and trade centre of the region. Its name first appeared in a historical text of 1001. Visit the town’s Khotyn Fortress. The creation of this fortification complex began in 1325, modifications were followed later in the 1380’s and 1460’s. The palace is encircled by eight-meter thick walls strengthened by five commanding towers. The external surface of the walls is adorned with red brick paved ornamental geometric motifs that bear resemblance to the Podolia art. There are numerous legends associated with the Khotyn Fortress.
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