The representatives of the Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry have held a meeting with a delegation of the global humanitarian aid organization, Mercy Corps, to discuss further cooperation, namely grant assistance to agricultural producers.
The relevant statement was made by the ministry’s press service, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
Photo: minagro.gov.ua
Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Deputy Minister Oksana Osmachko expressed gratitude to the Mercy Corps mission in Ukraine for supporting farm enterprises in the de-occupied and frontline areas, as well as providing production grants to relocated businesses.
Photo: minagro.gov.ua
The parties discussed further cooperation between the ministry and Mercy Corps, such as grant assistance to agricultural producers and veterans willing to resume or start farming activities, holding trainings and consultations for farmers, etc.
As noted by Osmachko, these measures will promote the revival and increased productivity of Ukraine’s agricultural sector.
“We are pleased to cooperate with Mercy Corps and will soon develop a number of joint events to enhance certain areas in the development of Ukraine’s agricultural sector,” Osmachko emphasized.
According to Mercy Corps Deputy Country Director Yelyzaveta Baran, agriculture suffered significant war-related losses. Hence, the main efforts are aimed at supporting farmers and agricultural enterprises to help them resume production and ensure food security in the regions.
Photo: minagro.gov.ua
“Our programme offers financial assistance to small and medium-sized agricultural producers, supports relocated businesses, and promotes the development of agricultural infrastructure. We strive to ensure that Ukrainian farmers not only overcome the consequences of the war, but also receive opportunities for sustainable development,” Baran stressed.
Mercy Corps’ agricultural support programme is implemented on the territory of the Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson and Chernihiv regions (except for the areas of active hostilities, as well as those with limited access or high risk to life and business activities). Some components of the programme are also available in the Kyiv, Odesa and Cherkasy regions.
The duration of the programme is 36 months (from November 1, 2023 until October 31, 2026). The total budget is USD 60 million. Grant applications can be submitted on the website of Mercy Corps.
Illustrative photo: Denilson Pa, Mercy Corps
Source: Mercy Corps to continue support for Ukrainian agricultural producers
