IAK project visit to Ukraine

From Jun 30-Jul 7, 2024, IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH (IAK) conducted a backstopping trip to Kyiv, Ukraine, to visit the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD Ukraine). The APD is funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and implemented by a consortium under the leadership of IAK.

During numerous meetings with various project partners, current topics and the political focus on sustainability, agroecology and irrigation were discussed. Among others, IAK visited the National University of Environment and Life Sciences of Ukraine, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, the Country Board Ukraine of the FAO and the implementing partner of the APD, the National Association of Agricultural Extension Services of Ukraine (DORADA). 

Another important meeting took place at the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI). Oleh Yukhnovskiy, Head of the Committee for Agriculture and Food, emphasized the intention of small and medium-sized Ukrainian agricultural enterprises to increasingly take advantage of the potential and marketing capacities towards the EU market. Against the backdrop of the war, these companies have begun to supplement their traditional marketing channels and explore new, innovative ways of selling products. "The quality of the products already meets the majority of EU regulations and food production in Ukraine is subject to continuous quality testing procedures," says Mr. Yukhnovskiy.

APD Ukraine plans to further expand its cooperation with the UCCI and to develop and implement further concrete activities, e.g. with regard to sustainability and ESG, as part of the project component on agricultural trade policy. The focus will also be on strengthening local communities and promoting the development of rural areas.