German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD), Phase 6
Project objective:
The objective of Phase 6 of the project is for Ukrainian stakeholders to actively use the knowledge gained in the structured dialogue with German institutions and experts, as well as the jointly developed recommendations for action, to drive forward priority reforms in Ukraine's agricultural sector in a targeted manner.
The focus is on 3 key result areas:
1. Agricultural trade policy, EU integration and policy advice
Targeted, comprehensive and needs-oriented policy advice will gradually bring the Ukrainian agricultural sector closer to EU agricultural regulation, the European Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork strategy. This supports the introduction of sustainable practices and strengthens the competitiveness and market position of Ukrainian agricultural products in the EU.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food will be advised on all relevant aspects of EU integration: from adaptation to EU standards and trade facilitation to the implementation of sustainability measures. The long-term support strengthens institutional capacities and creates the conditions for sustainable alignment with EU policies – as a foundation for sustainable agricultural and economic growth.
2. Development of rural areas
A regular and well-founded exchange on the development of rural areas and their institutional framework conditions has been established to improve governance and planning in a targeted manner. The focus here is on strengthening the administrative structures of selected territorial municipalities (TGs) in close cooperation with the National Association of Agricultural Extension Services of Ukraine (DORADA). These measures specifically promote the expansion of local capacities to effectively overcome agricultural and rural challenges, drive economic growth and ensure the sustainable development of rural areas.
3. Central dialog platform
The APD also serves as a central platform for exchange between policymakers, experts, and decision-makers from the German and Ukrainian agricultural sectors. It enables an intensive dialogue on key topics such as capacity building, investment promotion, private production standards, research and innovation, as well as other fields of action relevant to agricultural policy.
The platform makes a significant contribution to the development of sustainable agricultural policies. By integrating different perspectives, the APD strengthens institutional cooperation, promotes innovation and supports convergence with EU standards – as a central basis for the sustainable development of the Ukrainian agricultural sector.
The advisory services include:
- Interministerial networking: Ukrainian decision-makers make targeted contacts on EU integration during visits to Germany and Brussels.
- EU standards: Mechanisms for introducing and monitoring EU standards in agricultural trade have been established.
- Trade action plans: Strategies for harmonization with EU trade standards are being implemented.
- Inter-institutional cooperation: The Ukrainian Consumer Protection Service (SSUFSCP) and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) have concluded a cooperation agreement.
- Rural development: Pilot municipalities are implementing the first measures of integrated development plans.
- EU information platform: From August 2025, Ukrainian institutions will have access to a digital platform with EU legal acts and translations.
Implementation:
IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH is the lead partner in the consortium with GOPA AFC GmbH and the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO).