The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) plan to continue their cooperation in developing Ukraine's agricultural sector in 2025.
This was discussed during a meeting between Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Vitalii Koval, and the EBRD Managing Director for Ukraine and Moldova, Arvid Tuerkner.
"The parties discussed opportunities for cooperation and EBRD support in the development of Ukraine's agricultural sector, particularly in implementing irrigation system reconstruction projects, supporting the European integration process, and advancing reforms in key areas such as land reclamation, digitalization, and inclusive rural development policies," the statement said.
Vitalii Koval emphasized the importance of EBRD support, particularly its expertise in helping Ukraine's agricultural sector adapt to EU standards and norms, as well as in reforming land reclamation and agricultural processing.
"Ukraine needs to balance its agricultural sector between processing and crop production. Currently, only 20% of agricultural GDP comes from processing. Increasing agro-processing and the production of value-added products will open the door to advanced technologies and create new opportunities for agribusiness," the minister stated.
He also highlighted the need for irrigation on 2 million hectares of land in Ukraine, with Mykolaiv and Kherson regions suffering the most from water shortages, especially after the Russian destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Arvid Tuerkner reaffirmed that the EBRD will continue to support the development of Ukraine’s agricultural sector.
