Ukraine and Italy Enhance Cooperation in the Agricultural Sector through a New Project
Italy has announced funding for a new initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation in Ukraine’s agricultural sector. The project, known as Pro.UKR, will be implemented in the Odesa region and will include the development of irrigation systems, the establishment of cooperatives for processing agricultural products, and the provision of modern equipment to farmers. One of the main goals of the project is to integrate Ukrainian producers into the European market.
This is reported by AgroReview
Budget and Scope of the Initiative
The total budget of the initiative exceeds 11 million euros. According to the signed project document, support will cover approximately 16,200 small and medium-sized farms, which amounts to about 48,000 people. The project includes the development of irrigation systems and the establishment of agricultural cooperatives, particularly in the Berezivka, Rozdilna, and Odesa districts.
Investments in the Agricultural Sector and Agro-processing
Ukraine’s Minister of Agricultural Policy, Vitaliy Koval, emphasized that the Italian side has confirmed its readiness to invest in the recovery of Ukraine’s agricultural sector. Under the new Pro.UKR project, with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), more than 11 million euros are planned to be directed towards the development of irrigation infrastructure, support for cooperatives, and the provision of equipment to small farmers.
Koval also noted the importance of increasing the share of processed products in Ukrainian exports. According to him, the export value of one ton of Italian agricultural products is 2,670 dollars, while that of Ukrainian products is only 315 dollars. This indicates the need to change the situation by developing joint deep processing and creating more opportunities for Ukrainian producers.
“It is important for us to change this situation by developing joint deep processing, creating more opportunities for Ukrainian producers, and increasing the share of finished products in exports. We are also interested in Italy’s marketing experience to determine the right positioning of Ukrainian products in EU markets”
Further steps in the development of the grain and oil market in Ukraine and the Black Sea region will be discussed at the 23rd International BLACK SEA GRAIN.KYIV Conference, which will take place on April 24 in Kyiv. All those interested in strategic discussions and networking with leaders in the agricultural sector are invited to attend.