On November 20, a meeting took place between representatives of Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI). The talks were attended by Minister Oleksii Sobolev, Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk, and the TBI Director in Ukraine, David Steven.
The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation in strategic planning and reforming the agricultural sector, particularly regarding the update of the Strategy for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas in Ukraine for the period up to 2030.
The parties agreed that the updated Strategy should take into account the key challenges of wartime, the consequences of infrastructure degradation, climate change, land losses, and the need to modernize agricultural policy.
It was specifically emphasized that rural development goes beyond agricultural production and involves comprehensive changes, including:
- creating jobs and supporting local businesses;
- modernizing infrastructure, including irrigation systems;
- expanding farmers’ access to financing, innovations, and modern technologies;
- developing processing and increasing the added value of products;
- land restoration and support for humanitarian demining;
- improving quality of life and promoting sustainable community development.
These areas will form the core of the updated 2030 Strategy, which will determine the long-term course for the recovery and modernization of Ukraine’s agricultural sector after the war.
“The Strategy for the Development of Rural Areas until 2030 is a fundamental document. It will cover not only agricultural production but also community development, infrastructure, processing, employment, energy resilience, and innovation. Cooperation with the Tony Blair Institute will strengthen the analytical base, involve international expertise, and turn the Strategy into a practical tool for transforming the agricultural sector,” said Oleksii Sobolev.
The meeting participants also discussed the possibility of creating a joint working group between the Ministry of Economy and TBI to finalize the 2030 Strategy, including:
- gathering information from regions and conducting consultations with communities and farmers;
- preparing analytical materials and recommendations;
- coordinating with international partners to mobilize support.
TBI experts will participate in field visits, community meetings, and analysis of local producers’ needs, which will help develop a practical, realistic, and effective strategy.
Collaboration with the Tony Blair Institute opens new opportunities for modernizing agricultural policy, strengthens the Ministry of Economy’s strategic planning, and contributes to creating a modern, innovative, and resilient model for the development of Ukraine’s rural areas.
Reference:
The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that works with governments to develop and implement effective public policies. Since 2022, TBI has been supporting Ukraine by providing strategic, analytical, and technical assistance to central executive authorities.
