The 34^th Prognosfruit conference was held in Kyiv, Ukraine on August 5-7 2010

Around 300 representatives of the international fruit market from 20 countries met in Kyiv (Ukraine) from the 3rd to the 7th August 2010 for the 34th Prognosfruit Conference. Traditionally held in Europe Prognosfruit is now held internationally and is the world’s leading conference for the apple and pear industries. The conference was co-hosted by Vinnytsya Fruit Supply Chain Development Project of International Finance Corporation (IFC) together with European Agricultural Union and the General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (Copa-Cogeca). This year the Conference was held in Ukraine for the first time.

The Conference brings all members of fruit supply chain together for consultations and the WAPA forecast for global apple and pear production for the coming year is announced.

“This event has helped put Ukraine on the map for us,” said Hans Van Es, Chairman of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee of COPA-COGECA: ”The world’s fruit market leaders now have an opportunity to form closer contacts and cooperation with Ukraine’s fruit producers, and we would not be here this year without the help of the IFC team.”

“Ukraine has the potential to become a leading agricultural producer thanks to such natural advantages as geographical location, land, and climate conditions. IFC is helping the country maximize its agribusiness potential by offering a combination of investment and advisory services to our clients. This forum is a stepping stone in IFC’s effort to help develop Ukraine’s fruit sector, opening new business opportunities and bringing much needed knowledge on international best practices to Ukraine’s agri sector,” said Elena Voloshina, IFC Ukraine Country Manager.

The WAPA board meeting was held within the framework of Progonsfruit2010 during which the Ukraine’s application for membership was accepted. The Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation will represent Ukraine in WAPA.

Philippe Binard, Secretary General of WAPA:
We are pleased to announce that the application for membership by Ukraine has now been endorsed by WAPA. We are convinced that the Ukrainian membership will further increase the international representativity of the Association and be of great benefit for the growing apple industry in Ukraine . WAPA members are looking forward to a fruitful cooperation with its Ukrainian counterpart."