Editor’s Note: This post was created in collaboration with and with financial support from EIT Food.
The Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme by EIT Food provides an unparalleled platform for female entrepreneurs to drive innovation in creating a sustainable food system. Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, this initiative champions women in agriculture by equipping them with the tools, skills, and networks needed to succeed. Women’s contributions to sustainable food systems and rural communities are invaluable, yet often overlooked, and this programme seeks to bridge that gap by fostering leadership, confidence, and business acumen among participants.
The 2024 edition of the EWA programme marked its fifth successful year, engaging 120 female entrepreneurs from 12 countries, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine. Over the course of six months, participants benefited from a comprehensive suite of mentoring, business coaching, and networking opportunities, alongside specialised training offered in local languages. Remarkably, the initiative has led to the creation of 35 startups and the raising of €13 million in funding, demonstrating its transformative impact on the sector.
As part of this series, we will feature interviews with three remarkable winners from the 2024 EWA programme. Each interview will offer a unique glimpse into the ways this programme empowers women to drive meaningful change in the agri-food sector. Let’s get right into it!
Interview with Yulia Logvinovska, Co-founder at LUCA
We are thrilled to share our interview with Yulia, the founder of LUCA and one of the participants and winners of the 2024 EWA programme! Yulia’s innovative vertical farming project focuses on providing fresh, high-quality greens while prioritising sustainability and urban agriculture. In this interview, we’ll delve into her entrepreneurial journey, the creation of LUCA, and the role the EWA programme played in her growth.
Can you start by sharing the inspiration behind LUCA and how your journey into vertical farming began?
LUCA started as an idea deeply rooted in my childhood memories. I used to sell vegetables at the market in my home city with my grandparents, where I learned the value of fresh produce and the hard work behind it. Fast forward to moving to the city, I realized how disconnected urban life can feel from quality, fresh food. That’s when the idea clicked—why not bring farming into the city? With Serhiy, my partner and the engineering genius behind LUCA, we combined our skills to create a farm that could fit into urban life and deliver (for the beginning) greens that are as fresh as if you picked them yourself.
What motivated you to focus on vertical farming, and how do you believe this approach contributes to a more sustainable food system?
We didn’t dive into vertical farming because it was a trend or a shiny new thing. We wanted to create high-quality, fresh products, and after careful analysis, we realised that vertical farming was the best way to achieve that. Moreover, it’s sustainable, it minimises the use of resources like water, and it allows us to grow year-round, even in urban environments. What we found is that this approach isn’t just good for our farm; it’s also a smarter way to grow food for the future.
LUCA specialises in growing fresh, high-quality salads and greens. Can you walk us through your innovative farming process and explain what sets it apart?
We grow hydroponically, meaning the plants get their nutrients from water, not soil. This allows us to control every factor—light, temperature, humidity—to create the perfect environment for them to thrive. Think of it as a spa day for greens every single day. What really sets us apart, though, is our attention to taste. Our greens aren’t just healthy; they’re delicious. I firmly believe food that’s good for you should also be a joy to eat.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in launching LUCA, and how did you overcome them?
Oh, where do I start? Beyond the obvious financial hurdles and operational hiccups, one of the biggest difficulties is the nature of the product itself. Greens are delicate—they don’t have a long shelf life, and a lot can go wrong in the growing process. Plus, the war in Ukraine brought an added layer of unpredictability, with power outages, supply chain issues and high risks. But we just keep moving forward, adapting and learning as we go.
When did you first hear about the EWA programme, and what motivated you to participate?
I first heard about it while exploring opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and I thought, “That’s what I need.” What really grabbed me was the focus on agriculture, which is such a specific sector. It’s not just about general business knowledge—it’s about deep, specialised understanding. Plus, the mentorship over six months? That’s gold. I knew it would give me the extra support I needed to scale LUCA and make it even more impactful.
How did the mentorship and training during the EWA programme influence your business strategy for LUCA? What would you identify as the three most significant lessons you learned?
The mentorship was invaluable. Since we launched the farm just as the programme kicked off, we were able to shape our strategy while actually in the process of building the business. It was the perfect timing. Here are three key lessons:
- Don’t underestimate the power of a strong network. It’s essential to have the right people around you.
- Invest in developing a solid product rather than flashy marketing. A great product will always speak for itself.
- Startups are all about hypothesis testing. The most important thing is not to be afraid, not to aim for perfection, but to just start and keep going and doing.
Sustainability is at the core of LUCA’s mission. How do you ensure your products and practices align with this commitment to the environment?
Vertical farming is the bridge between cities and sustainable food systems. It allows urban areas to produce fresh food locally, reducing dependency on long supply chains. And as the global population grows, we’ll need smart solutions like this to feed more people without exhausting our planet’s resources.
Finally, what advice would you offer to other women entrepreneurs interested in starting their own entrepreneurial journey?
Action is the most important currency for any entrepreneur. Don’t be afraid to take steps, even if they seem small. Sometimes you can’t even imagine how one little move can trigger a chain of events that leads to something bigger.
Celebrating success and looking ahead
The EWA programme continues demonstrating the power of targeted support for women entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector. Providing mentorship, networking, and hands-on training, this program enables participants to bring their innovative ideas to life while fostering a more inclusive and sustainable food system. The success stories from the 2024 edition highlight the programme’s far-reaching impact, from securing funding to scaling businesses and entering new markets.
Stay tuned for our next interview, where we will spotlight another inspiring participant from the EWA programme. Each story underscores the transformative potential of empowering women in agrifood and reminds us of the critical role they play in shaping the future of sustainable food systems.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/12/empowering-women-in-agrifood-interview-with-yulia-logvinovska-co-founder-at-luca/
