The DUALOG project is part of the bilateral cooperation program (BKP) of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). The aim of the project is to sustainably promote fruit and vegetable cultivation in the Vinnytsia oblast. The first study tour took place from October 29^th to November 3^rd, 2023, during which the project partners from Ukraine visited various stations associated with the fruit and vegetable sector in Germany. Eight Ukrainian participants from authorities, administration and politics gathered interesting impressions that should help to develop supportive structures and framework conditions for fruit and vegetable production in the Vinnytsia oblast.

Above all, the delegation from Ukraine was warmly welcomed and received by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Berlin. An intensive exchange took place with various departments of the ministry. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) was also able to provide a great deal of relevant information and took the time to give a nice welcome to the group in Berlin.

Other stops on this first study tour as part of the DUALOG project included the German Raiffeisen Association (DRV), the Central Horticultural Association (ZVG), the Horticultural Competence Center in Gülzow, the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Office for Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries, the DEULA in Rendsburg and finally the Esteburg Fruit Growing Center in Jork.

The collected knowledge, the exchange and the discussions at the different stations are an important part of sustainably promoting and improving the structural and legal framework conditions as well as the teaching and research in this sector.

Further information about the DUALOG project can also be found on the DUALOG homepage: DUALOG – PROJEKT: “Deutsch-Ukrainischer Fachdialog zur nachhaltigen Entwicklung des Obst- und Gemüsesektors Winnyzja” (dualog-ukraine.de)