Mines to vines: how grapes are being planted on demined land in the Mykolaiv region

In the Radsadiv community in Mykolaiv Oblast, work has begun on the «Roots of Peace: Mechanisation for Growth» project, under which vineyards are being planted on demined land. The initiative, implemented by UNDP in Ukraine with the support of the Swedish government, aims to restore agricultural potential and develop new opportunities for the community.

According to a NikVesti correspondent, winemakers, students and international partners have joined in the planting.

Grapes instead of mines

The vineyards are being planted on the cooperative’s land, where new plantings are being established following demining. Grapes are now being grown on land that was dangerous until recently. Students from Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, who are currently on work placements, joined in the planting.

As Heorhii Molchanov, head of the «Association of Craft Winemakers of the Black Sea Region», explained, the collaboration with the university has a long-term goal:

«We have signed a memorandum and are forming a cluster: science, business and winemaking. From the moment of planting, students understand the entire process — from cultivation to wine production. This will enable us to train specialists, of whom there is currently a shortage,» said Heorhii Molchanov in a comment to NikVesti.

The seedlings for planting were provided by the international initiative Rotary International as part of the «Mines to Vines» project. Some of them are experimental varieties from the Italian nursery Rauscedo, adapted to drought and saline soils, which is particularly relevant for southern Ukraine following the environmental consequences of the war.

How to plant grapes correctly

A training session on establishing a vineyard was held for participants right in the field. Expert Natalia Kamneva explained how to prepare the seedlings, what the planting depth should be, and how to care for the plants.

Participants learnt that before planting, seedlings need to be soaked, the roots must be positioned correctly in the soil, and regular watering must be ensured. They also discussed contemporary challenges — climate change, water scarcity and the need to select resilient varieties.

Equipment for restoration

After working in the field, participants were shown the equipment the cooperative had received as part of the project. This included a tractor, a sprayer, a mulcher and a rotary tiller. The project is being implemented by the «Association of Craft Winemakers of the Black Sea Region» with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Swedish government.

«We planted a vineyard on the demined land as a symbol of recovery. Thanks to the support of Sweden and the UNDP, we have received modern equipment that allows us to work efficiently and develop production,» said Heorhii Molchanov.

The project aims to restore over 10 hectares of vineyards and orchards and strengthen the community’s economic resilience.

Steppe Wines winery

After the field visit, the participants headed to the village of Slyvyne, to the Steppe Wines winery. There, the official part of the event took place — the minutes of the meeting on the establishment of a cooperative were signed. This will allow farmers to share equipment and develop winemaking in the region.

Oleksandr Chupryna was elected chairman of the cooperative.

«I am very grateful to everyone present, because all this has been made possible thanks to our joint efforts — not only the cooperative, but also the Association and all the winemakers of Ukraine who are actively working and making their presence felt. Thanks to this, we are being heard and seen, and together we can achieve more. So let’s help one another, tell people about ourselves and our wines, so that they can be seen, tasted and studied. I wish us all peace and the best results, and I hope for a better future,» he said.

Going forward, the cooperative’s leadership will change annually, which, according to the participants, will allow for the distribution of responsibility and the involvement of more winemakers in management.

The event concluded with a wine tasting at the Steppe Wines winery and a dinner together. In an informal atmosphere, participants discussed the development of the industry and opportunities for cooperation.

Photo report

The initiative is being implemented as part of the «Enhanced Partnership for Sustainable Recovery» (EPSR) project, which is being carried out by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine with financial support from the Swedish government through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

It is worth recalling that the 2018 law also made life easier for the Molchanov family of winemakers — Mykhailo, his wife Svitlana and their son Heorhii — who, inspired by the story of their neighbour, winemaker Anatolii Bredikhin, began making wine.

Bredikhin’s vineyards were located 10 kilometres from the Molchanovs’ current vineyards. And in 1905, he even obtained the right to produce wine under his own brand. Incidentally, he organised the sale of his wine in a wine cellar situated on the corner of Mariupolska and Nikolskaya Streets. In honour of their famous neighbour, the winemakers named one of their wines «Bredykhyn’s Treasures».

Read more in the article by NikVesti: «How the Slyvyne Village craft winery operates in the Mykolaiv region during the war».