AGREE - Design project within the agricultural sector in Ukraine

The overall goal of this design project is to contribute to sustainable economic development in Ukraine’s agricultural sector by strengthening capacities for efficient, resilient and EU-aligned agricultural production. The project will primarily target small- and medium-scale farmers and entrepreneurs, with particular attention to women and youth. These groups are central to rural employment and local food security, yet remain among the most vulnerable actors in the agricultural sector. Important factors will be capacity building, advisory services, improved access to the latest innovation and technology, and strengthened integration into value chains and markets through entrepreneurship and business development. 

Project partners 

• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) 
• Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA) 
• Swedish Board of Agriculture (SJV) 
• National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP) 

Why the project is needed

1.      EU accession  

This design project aims to identify crucial parts of the regulatory framework and sectors relevant to prioritise. An important step will be consultations with the EU commission. The work can include alignment of the regulatory framework in Ukraine with the EU agricultural policy, but also dialogue relating to how EU legislation could better suit Ukraine.

In the Swedish strategy for Ukraine 2023-2027, support to Ukraine’s EU accession is a key objective. This requires strengthened capacity to effectively implement regulations related to agriculture. A challenge is the unique agrarian structure in Ukraine, which differs from the structure in the EU, with very large farm corporations, mid-sized family farmers and many small holders. As support and other regulations within EU do not meet the needs of Ukraine, there will probably be need for adjustments both in Ukraine and in the EU.

2.      Green and smart technologies 

Development of sustainable production methods is highlighted by organisations such as the OECD as the most important driving force for agriculture in the future. Modern technology makes it possible to use production resources more efficiently, leading to both higher yields and more environmental and climate resilient production systems. Ukraine’s agricultural sector is supported by the national research sector, and much work has previously been done to reach an advanced level of digitalisation and use of AI technologies in the agricultural sector.

3.      Entrepreneurship and business development 

Development and reconstruction of agricultural value chains and infrastructure are essential for economic recovery and long-term growth. To ensure sustained profitability in the agricultural sector, small and medium-sized enterprises and actors across the value chain need stronger business and entrepreneurial skills, with particular emphasis on promoting women’s and youth’s entrepreneurship, especially considering the gender situation in Ukraine due to the war. 

How the project will be structured

The design phase will consist of two work packages (WP). WP1 will focus on development of a Ukraine-Sweden agricultural support framework, with the full proposal as the final delivery. WP2 will be more practical, focusing on developing two parallel training programmes, targeting livestock (WP2:1) and crop production (WP2:2), respectively.

Workplan 1 Developing a Ukraine–Sweden agricultural support framework

Workplan 2.1 Animal production training programme “Healthy livestock - safe food, animal production aligned with EU regulations”

Workplan 2.2 Crop production training programme “Plant health in crop production aligned with EU regulations”