German-Ukrainian Cooperation in Organic Agriculture (COA), Phase 2

Phase 2 of the project aims to specifically expand competencies and institutional structures for the further development of organic farming in Ukraine. The focus is on the professional implementation of the Ukrainian organic farming law by the responsible authorities. The project supports the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food (MAPE), the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP) and the National Accreditation Agency (NAAU) in carrying out their tasks under the law.

Another focus is on the operation and further development of the digital knowledge platform of the Scientific Center for Education and Higher Education (NMZ), which provides targeted content for education and training in organic farming. At the same time, the structured exchange between private and public actors will be strengthened and the national visibility of the sector increased.

The phase places particular emphasis on:

• Adapting the legal framework to EU standards
• Development and testing of control instruments
• Digital qualification of specialists
• Support for certification processes

Despite the challenges caused by the war, key milestones were achieved – including the first certification of organic farms under Ukrainian law and the accreditation of the first inspection body. In addition, targeted aid measures for smaller organic farms are being implemented and cooperation with international partners is being further expanded.

The project is implemented by GOPA AFC GmbH as the lead partner in a consortium with IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH.