Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, Denys Bashlyk, met with the leaders of the Programme to Support the Restoration of the Economic Potential of the Agri-Food Sector (Pro.UKR).
The programme is implemented by the Government of the Italian Republic with support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM).
The project is planned to expand to the territories of Odessa, Berezivka, and Rozdilna districts in Odessa region.
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister discussed opportunities for developing agricultural lands, establishing dedicated marketplaces for cooperative product sales, creating an irrigation consortium, and locations for water drainage storage.
“For Ukrainian agri-producers, support from the international community is extremely important. Assistance from international partners will help small and medium agribusinesses, increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian producers, and support the development of livestock farming,” emphasized Denys Bashlyk.
He also visited the National Scientific Center “V.E. Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking” of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine to review the updated laboratory facilities.
Bashlyk discussed with the institute’s leadership the creation of a “Viticulture and Winemaking Registry,” irrigation challenges for perennial crops, and potential support for the scientific center to help develop Ukraine’s viticulture and winemaking sector.
Background:
The Pro.UKR programme was developed by the Italian side in collaboration with specialists from regional administrations and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. The total project budget is €11.27 million. Its goal is to expand opportunities for small and medium agri-producers in Odessa region, increasing production volumes and product quality, and establishing new agricultural cooperatives. The programme is expected to benefit approximately 12,500 Ukrainian households.
