German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD), Phase 6

Objectives

The objective of Phase 6 of the project is to ensure that Ukrainian stakeholders actively apply the knowledge, experience, and jointly developed recommendations generated through the structured dialogue with German institutions and experts to advance priority reforms in Ukraine's agricultural sector.

At the same time, the Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD) supports the further alignment of Ukraine's agricultural sector with EU standards and regulatory frameworks while promoting the stronger integration of Ukrainian stakeholders into European economic, trade, and cooperation structures. Through continuous exchange among policymakers, public authorities, research institutions, business associations, private companies, and agricultural producers, the project develops practical solutions that contribute to reform implementation while strengthening the competitiveness and market development of Ukraine's agriculture and food sector.

The project focuses on three key result areas.

1. Agricultural trade policy, EU integration, and policy advisory

Through targeted, comprehensive, and demand-driven policy advisory services, the project supports the gradual alignment of Ukraine's agricultural sector with EU agricultural legislation, the European Green Deal, and the Farm to Fork Strategy. This contributes to the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices while strengthening the competitiveness and market position of Ukrainian agricultural products within the EU.

The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine receives advisory support on all relevant aspects of EU integration, including the approximation of EU legislation and standards, trade facilitation, and the implementation of sustainability measures. The long-term advisory approach strengthens institutional capacities and supports the gradual alignment of Ukrainian agricultural policies with the EU regulatory framework, thereby creating the foundation for sustainable agricultural and economic growth.

At the same time, the dialogue contributes to improving the framework conditions for trade, investment, and market integration. Agricultural trade policy, export promotion, market access, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, food safety, and regulatory harmonization are discussed jointly with Ukrainian and German stakeholders. These activities facilitate the stronger integration of Ukrainian companies into European value chains and trading networks.

2. Rural development

The project has established a regular and structured dialogue on rural development and its institutional framework in order to strengthen governance and improve strategic planning. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening the administrative capacities of selected territorial communities (TCs) in close cooperation with the National Association of Agricultural Advisory Services of Ukraine (DORADA).

These activities support the development of local capacities to address agricultural and rural development challenges, promote economic growth, and ensure the sustainable development of rural areas.

In addition, the APD facilitates the exchange of knowledge and practical experience on innovative approaches to regional development, rural economic diversification, and local value creation. Strengthening rural institutions and governance structures contributes to creating new economic opportunities for farms, processors, service providers, and local governments while enhancing the long-term competitiveness of rural areas.

3. Central dialogue platform

The APD also serves as a central platform for dialogue between policymakers and technical experts from the German and Ukrainian agricultural sectors. It facilitates intensive exchanges on key topics such as capacity development, investment promotion, private production standards, research and innovation, and other priority agricultural policy issues.

Furthermore, the APD provides an established platform for discussions on economic issues across selected agricultural value chains. Through conferences, technical workshops, working groups, and study visits, stakeholders address topics including market integration, export development, competitiveness, trade barriers, investment opportunities, and EU market requirements.

Particular attention is given to products and value chains with strong development and export potential, including honey, berries, nuts, and other agricultural and food products. At the same time, the APD provides a platform for dialogue among farmers, agribusinesses, business associations, researchers, and policymakers on issues related to market development, business competitiveness, and agricultural policy reforms, including land market development, SPS measures, and food safety.

The platform makes a significant contribution to the development of sustainable agricultural policies. By bringing together a broad range of stakeholders, the APD strengthens institutional cooperation, promotes innovation, and supports the gradual alignment with EU standards as a key foundation for the sustainable development of Ukraine's agricultural sector. At the same time, it promotes economic cooperation between German and Ukrainian stakeholders and supports the development of long-term business partnerships and investment opportunities.

Advisory services include

• Strengthening interministerial cooperation by facilitating high-level exchanges and institutional networking during study visits to Germany and Brussels in support of Ukraine's EU integration process
• Supporting the establishment of mechanisms for the implementation and enforcement of EU standards in agricultural trade
• Developing and implementing action plans for the approximation of EU trade standards
• Facilitating institutional cooperation between the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP) and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), resulting in a formal cooperation agreement
• Supporting pilot territorial communities in implementing integrated rural development plans
• Providing Ukrainian institutions with access to a digital EU information platform containing EU legislation, technical guidance, and Ukrainian translations
• Organizing technical dialogues and knowledge exchange on agricultural trade, market integration, investment promotion, and economic cooperation
• Promoting dialogue among policymakers, business associations, agricultural producers, and private companies on competitiveness, market access, and export development
• Facilitating knowledge transfer on EU market requirements, private standards, and sanitary and phytosanitary regulations
• Supporting the exchange of practical experience between German and Ukrainian stakeholders across selected agricultural value chains

Implementation

The project is implemented by IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH as the lead partner in a consortium with GOPA AFC GmbH and the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO).

IAK is primarily responsible for coordinating the project's advisory services and dialogue activities, organizing conferences, technical workshops, working groups, study visits, and other exchange formats, and facilitating cooperation among German and Ukrainian stakeholders from government, public administration, academia, business associations, and the private sector. A particular focus is placed on strengthening technical and economic cooperation between both countries while supporting agricultural policy reforms, market integration, and the sustainable development of Ukraine's agriculture and food sector.