Professional USAID LINC counseling help Crimean farmer to diversify crops and create better conditions for business expansion.

Until almost two years ago, Andriy Bohomolov, a traditional Crimean farmer who managed to get a private land parcel in 2008 after redistribution of collectivized farmland to workers like himself, faced the problem of efficient land use. He never thought about new crops or new agro techniques. But after working closely with USAID LINC, Mr. Bohomolov became a recognized example of how enthusiasm and craving for new knowledge can make a huge difference in one’s life.

Having a five-hectare piece of land at his disposal and relying solely on his family members to work his farm, Andriy Bohomolov used it mainly as a nursery-garden for growing horticultural seedlings. This was his main source of income. Although he had great ambitions as a farmer, he lacked modern knowledge and skills required for successful farming.

In 2009, USAID LINC began showing Andriy Bohomolov and other small farmers how to improve the efficiency of using small land parcels through various trainings and seminars. Inspired by his newly acquired knowledge, Mr. Boho-molov introduced a range of changes on his land plot. Together with financial support from USAID LINC he established a greenhouse to grow new crops such as grapes and strawberries, as well as started cultivating shallow cherry trees and table grapes.

In 2010, Andriy Bohomolov agreed to hold a Field Day on his land parcel to demonstrate some modern horticulture cultivation technologies and a cost-effectiveness analysis of various crops. This event attracted more than one hundred participants.

”Since the Field Day a lot of people keep coming to see the greenhouse, new crops and grapes growing patterns,” Andriy said. “The orders for cherry seedlings have doubled. I have also received an offer and reached an agreement with Simferopol wholesale market on providing commercial space for horticulture products sales.”

Inspired by his recent success, Mr. Bohomolov is making more plans on reinvesting his future profits and developing his farm.

”All the new cultivated crops need to enter into a fruit-bearing process which requires two-three years. Meanwhile, I want to install two additional greenhouses, as it is very promising and interesting. I would also like to invest money in constructing a refrigeration unit to preserve future crops.”

As USAID LINC Specialist Oleksandr Lekhno described it, “When we first met Mr.Bohomolov he could not find the proper way of using his land. The proposal to make an experiment with his land plot was immediately accepted with great interest. Besides offering valuable experience, all the crops planted last year will bring the farmer stable guaranteed income over the next 10-20 years.”

Today, thanks to his own initiative and USAID LINC’s support, Andriy Bohomolov is one of the most advanced farmers in Crimea, who generously shares his best practices in farming and remains open to adopting the latest agricultural technologies.