According to Yurchenko, even before the war, agricultural enterprises were already facing a deficit of skilled specialists. However, since 2022, the situation has deteriorated significantly.
“In 2023, over 80% of farms reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult not only to find new specialists but also to fill critical vacancies at all,” Yurchenko emphasized.
She noted that the issue of labor shortages will only intensify in the coming years. As a result, the agricultural sector is inevitably moving toward greater automation of processes and higher wages. However, this alone is not enough:
“Employees need not only motivation but also continuous development,” she stressed.
After the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian farmers found themselves in an educational vacuum, Yurchenko explained. Most available materials were in Russian or English, while there was a lack of high-quality Ukrainian-language educational content.
A key step toward solving this problem was the creation of AgriAcademy — a modern, free online education platform offering more than 30 certified courses in crop production, processing, organic farming, and livestock management.
“When a person comes to work, they need fair pay, but also guidance, support, and training. That’s exactly the role AgriAcademy plays — it allows employees to deepen their professional knowledge,” Yurchenko noted.
The platform’s creation and management — including course development and educational tours — are supported and financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as well as:
- The EBRD Multi-Donor Account for Ukraine’s Stabilization and Sustainable Growth (donors include Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union as the largest contributor);
- The Republic of Ireland, through the EBRD Small Business Impact Fund (with additional donors: Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Taipei China, and the USA);
- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The Association of Pig Producers of Ukraine (AUPB) is a non-profit, voluntary organization founded by domestic pig producers. Its main goals are to represent and protect the rights and interests of its members, promote the introduction of innovative technologies in efficient pork production, expand market opportunities, and safeguard the domestic market.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), established on October 16, 1945, in Quebec, aims to reduce global poverty and hunger through agricultural development, improved nutrition, and strengthened food security. Its motto is “Helping build a world free of hunger.”
AgriAcademy is a digital learning platform designed to foster knowledge exchange and skill-building in agribusiness. Its mission is to enhance access for Ukrainian agricultural professionals to practical expertise, success stories, and innovative solutions that meet modern market challenges.