Italy has launched a program to support farmers in Odesa region

This week, a farmers' support program within the framework of the Italian international technical assistance project Pro.UKR will be launched in Odesa region. It is a non-refundable financial assistance from the Italian government aimed at restoring and developing the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine, in particular small farming in Odesa region.

This was reported by Intent.

Under the program, farmers will receive assistance in the form of fertilizers, animal feed and plant protection products. In total, it is planned to form and distribute about 4 thousand sets. To receive support, farmers and households in rural areas must submit appropriate applications.

About the program

The Pro.UKR program is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and the Odesa Regional State Administration. The direct implementer is the Italian organization CIHEAM Bari in cooperation with the Odesa Regional State Administration. The project covers agricultural policy and management, water resources development, agricultural resources, advisory services, and the establishment of agricultural cooperatives.

SCREENSHOT: Pro.UKR program

The overall goal of the initiative is to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian government to develop the agricultural sector and diversify agricultural markets in line with EU rules and regulations. A special emphasis is placed on increasing the efficiency of the agricultural sector by encouraging the unification of producers and the creation of cooperatives in accordance with European standards.

Reimbursement of costs

As part of the project, three agriculture and livestock centers will operate in Odesa region - one in each district. There, farmers will be able to receive technical assistance, consultations, professional development support, access to resources, veterinary drugs, and vaccines. The beneficiaries are not selected on a competitive basis, but according to specific criteria, with preference given to small farms.

The program does not provide for a completely free distribution of resources. Instead, a reimbursement mechanism is used: 30% of the cost of resources and services is covered by the project, and 70% is paid by the farmers or breeders themselves. The funds raised are re-allocated to the purchase of inputs, which allows us to expand the range of beneficiaries and reach more farms.

Expected results

It is expected that about 14 thousand households will receive support as a result of the Pro.UKR program. The project also includes seminars for farmers, the creation of new cooperatives, and the purchase of agricultural machinery, processing equipment, and irrigation networks. A separate area is to establish cooperation between Ukrainian farmers and cooperatives and Italian agricultural businesses and associations.

SCREEN SHOT: Pro.UKR program

In addition, the program will facilitate personnel training: some Ukrainian specialists will be trained in Italy, and hundreds of agricultural specialists will be trained in Ukraine. Pro.UKR will also accept graduate students from Ukraine for internships.

The project is being implemented in Berezovsky, Rozdilnyansky and Odesa districts and is seen as one of the key tools to restore the agricultural potential of southern Ukraine in wartime.

Odesa region also plans to raise more than EUR 6 million to restore irrigation infrastructure. These funds should help modernize key facilities and increase the efficiency of water supply to local lands.

Анна Бальчінос