Founded in 2015 in the Putila district, “Dary Hutsulshchyny” unites local foragers to process and sell wild-harvested porcini, chanterelles, honey agarics, blueberries, and herbs. With initial funding from UNDP’s Community-Based Approach and member contributions, the cooperative invested in modern drying, freezing, and storage equipment, enabling year-round sales and reducing waste. Certification by Organic Standard assures traceability and environmental stewardship, crucial for gaining access to sophisticated markets in Ukraine and abroad. Today, the cooperative’s products are found in major retailers and exported to destinations including Israel, the US, Poland, and Moldova. By adding value locally, it creates stable incomes and reduces the need for seasonal migration.  

The shared-governance model also distributes benefits fairly among members. This initiative aligns with the EU’s green transition priorities, demonstrating how modest technology, strong community organisation, and certification can turn fragile seasonal economies into resilient, low-carbon value chains.