Instead of the classic seasonal lull — a continuous cycle of production and sales. The founder of the farm "Yahidna Storona Zhyttia" (The Berry Side of Life), Iryna Barzo, thanks to the implementation of the project "Farm Freezer: Preserved Benefits and Taste – Profit All Year Round," managed to completely eliminate the seasonal pause and ensure the supply of products during the off-season period — from late autumn to early spring. This is recounted by Iryna Barzo to the readers of the magazine "Yahidnyk," writes agronews.ua.
The farmer will not expand her garden strawberry production because selling it wholesale is unprofitable. During peak periods, a significant portion of the berries has to be given to the wholesale market at a price that often does not cover the costs of harvesting, logistics, and other work.
"Everything that isn't sold at retail and is sent to the wholesale market during peak periods is essentially work for the sake of work. The price is low, but the inputs and funds needed for harvesting and transshipment are substantial. Therefore, going for large volumes of strawberries is not our story," the farmer explains.
So the farm will for now slightly reduce the area under strawberries, while there will be more currants and raspberries: currants — fivefold, raspberries — approximately threefold. In 2026, the farm cultivated about 4.5 ha, of which strawberries occupied 2 ha.
The farm focuses primarily on the retail buyer who already knows its products, although some vegetables and berries also go to wholesale markets in the Kyiv region. What cannot be sold fresh is frozen. This way, products can be supplied from late autumn to early spring as well.