(within the frame of the Grant Programme in the Organic Sector supported by Switzerland)
About the farm
Nuts’N’Garden organic farm, founded in 2020 in Salyvonky village, Kyiv region, specialises in growing hazelnuts and asparagus. The total area of the farm is 25 ha, of which 23 ha are organic plantations certified in accordance with the legislations of Ukraine and EU on organic production.
Nina Smyrnova, the farm’s manager and founder, came up with the idea to create her own organic farm after participating in an agricultural cooperative project that was involved in growing vegetables in greenhouses. The experience of growing quality food, involvement in local production, and the taste of genuine products inspired her to start her own business.
Before planting the crops, Nina spent several years studying the market, technologies, and agronomy. Consultations with experienced farmers, participation in specialised events and in-depth research of crops allowed her to shape a clear vision of what an organic farming business should look like. This is how Nuts’N’Garden was born — a farm that combines profitability with care about the land and the principles of sustainable development.
Support with the Grant Programme and achievements
In 2024, the farm received a grant to purchase an automatic asparagus washing and cutting line (see photo) within the Grant Programme in the Organic Sector*.
Purchase of the new equipment has significantly increased production capacity for processing asparagus during the season and facilitated post-harvest handling for the team. This is extremely important, as Nina’s team consists mainly of women, and constant physically demanding work is a great stress for the body. The equipment helped to improve product quality, reduce the physical burden on the personnel, and better organise work during peak periods.
In addition, Nina took part in the mentoring course on promoting organic products on the domestic market, which was organised withing the Women Entrepreneurship in the Organic Sector (WEOS) project in spring 2025. Under the mentorship of Oleksandr Ratushniuk, owner of Jiva organic brand and an expert with over 20 years of experience in marketing and distribution, Nuts’N’Garden has significantly improved its market position.
The analysis of the market and the competitive environment was conducted, which led to a decision to change the packaging weight and label. Previously, the farm sold asparagus in 500 g and 1 kg bundles, but after the analysis the bundles were brought to the most common 250 and 450 g.
In 2024, the organic farm sold its products through its pages in social media, several local stores and intermediaries. Up to 30% of the products were sold through supermarket chains and restaurants. Thanks to mentoring, direct contracts for the supply of organic asparagus were signed with GoodWine and Fora retail chains (unfortunately, due to a shortage of products caused by unfavourable weather conditions, deliveries to Fora did not take place), and cooperation with WineTime retail chain was expanded. This allowed raising selling prices, increase revenue and generally improve the farm efficiency. As a result, in 2025, 79% of the company’s finished products were sold through retail chains and restaurants. Unfortunately, this year’s weather was not very favourable for the crop, therefore not all contracts were fulfilled.
Plans for the future
The focus of the farm remains on expanding production, as the asparagus plantations and hazelnut orchard are entering the full fruiting phase. Nina is considering expanding sales both domestically and to foreign markets. Thanks to grant support from Switzerland in previous years, she purchased equipment for primary nut processing. The next step will be to establish a hub for post-harvest hazelnut processing and producing hazelnut products
The plans for asparagus production development include: expanding cooperation with retail chains with a larger volume of products, working to improve packaging in terms of its environmental component, and developing a new area — finished asparagus products (dried, frozen, freeze-dried asparagus) which can be used to make soups, purees and other culinary products.
Advice from the founder
“Organic production is a responsible path. However, thanks to support and openness of the organic community, you will definitely not be alone. Today is the best time to create a recognisable, high-quality and trustworthy brand in Ukraine”.
* Grant Program in the Organic Sector is funded by Switzerland and implemented within the framework of
- the project “Women Entrepreneurship in the Organic Sector” (WEOS) implemented by ICO “Information Center “Green Dossier” in partnership with Organic Initiative Public Association, and
- the Swiss-Ukrainian Programme “Higher Value Added Trade from the Organic and Dairy Sector in Ukraine” (QFTP) implemented by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL, Switzerland) in partnership with SAFOSO AG (Switzerland).