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Can the agriculture sector in Ukraine be restored?

Can the agriculture sector in Ukraine be restored?
Sep 19, 2024
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

5 Strategies that could help rebuild Ukraine agriculture

Since the full-scale invasion began, Ukraine’s agricultural sector has faced immense losses, with damages surpassing $10 billion.

This includes the destruction of machinery worth $5.8 billion and losses to livestock farms valued at over $250 million.

The war has displaced a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, with many men drafted into the military and women fleeing to other countries to protect their families.  With strong Ukranian roots in western Canada, many have fled to Canada.

This population decline has severely impacted rural economies, as each skilled worker is vital to local production.

Retaining the existing workforce and attracting new talent to agriculture is essential, but this presents a serious challenge.

Training new specialists requires time and resources, and there is a pressing need to find ways to keep people in rural areas.

Below are five key strategies to revitalize Ukraine’s agricultural sector:

Support for Farmers from Occupied Areas

Farmers from occupied regions like Kherson, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk lost everything—homes, farms, and livelihoods.

Many now face demands from Ukrainian banks to repay pre-war loans, despite losing access to their assets. These farmers are heroes, and the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) has advocated for the adoption of Draft Law No. 11180-1, which would freeze loan payments for those in occupied territories.

Passing this law would enable displaced farmers to return to agriculture and help rebuild Ukraine's economy.

Prioritize Land Leases for Displaced Farmers

The launch of state land lease auctions is promising, but priority should be given to displaced Ukrainian farmers.

These skilled professionals are essential to Ukraine’s agricultural recovery. If we fail to provide them with access to land, they may seek opportunities abroad.

Expand Loan Programs for All Agricultural Producers

The 5-7-9% loan program is critical for supporting farmers, but access should be extended beyond livestock farmers.

Expanding the program to cover all agricultural producers, especially those from occupied areas, will help revitalize rural communities and ensure food security. 

Support Women in Agriculture

Women farmers have taken on more responsibilities during the war, yet they receive minimal support. More grants, special loans, and training opportunities are needed to help women restore and grow agricultural businesses.

Invest in Agricultural Education

Ukraine must address the personnel crisis by reforming agricultural education. Programs like the UAC’s “Agrosphere,” which teaches high school students about modern farming, should be expanded nationwide to cultivate the next generation of farmers and restore the agricultural sector.

To learn more, or to help Ukrainian farmers, visit https://saveua.in.ua/.

Photo Credit: freepik.com


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