The experts' discussions began with an analysis of the crises in Ukrainian agriculture since the 1990s, the pace of recovery, and the need for resources.
Taking into account, that development of agrarian sector of Ukraine is closely connected with its export potential, introduction of electronic phytosanitary certificates for grain consignments was one of the main topics for discussions. Finding markets for processed grain products is one of the challenges, overcoming which will remain a priority for the development of the agricultural sector.
Experts discussed separately the livestock block, the future of which cannot be considered separately from the integration into the European space, and consequently, the introduction of welfare standards, best practices of sustainable production, primarily providing for reducing the negative impact on the environment.
According to the conclusions of experts, the livestock sector in Ukraine is promising. In recent years the number of cattle and pigs has decreased significantly (pigs, for example, by about 40%), while the consumption of meat and milk, on the contrary, is growing, albeit slowly. The export of products of animal origin with added value is an important element of the strategy for the development of livestock industries. Therefore, FAO and EBRD are already providing technical assistance to the pig, dairy and poultry sectors to raise production standards and meet EU requirements.
In this context, one of the priority areas of support of international donors will be increasing the institutional capacity of the competent authority in order to ensure proper control of the epizootic situation in Ukraine and the development of foreign trade.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims at reducing poverty and hunger in the world by developing agriculture, improving nutrition and solving the problem of food security (availability of food to everyone at all times). It was founded in Quebec on October 16, 1945. Its motto is "Helping build a world without hunger.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution which provides assistance to countries from Central Europe to Central Asia to carry out market reforms and actively integrate their economies into international economic relations. It is headquartered in London.
The Association Ukranian Pig Breeders is a non-profit, voluntary organization founded by domestic pork producers. The main objectives of the association are representation and protection of rights and interests of farms of the association, assistance in the development and introduction of new technologies for efficient production of pork, expansion of markets, and protection of domestic sales market.
During 2021-2023, FAO and EBRD are implementing a program "Animal Health, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Programs in Ukraine and Moldova". The main components of the program are (I) improved control of the epizootic situation, with a focus on transboundary animal diseases, in particular African swine fever, (III) reduction of risks of antibiotic resistance development; (III) establishment of agricultural production and supply chains in the war in Ukraine.
