The first meetings took place in Washington, D.C., with the teams of Charles Grassley, a senator from Iowa since 1981, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
"As a result of the war in Ukraine, gross agricultural production decreased by 40%, exports by 16%, livestock by 20%, and the food industry by 30%. In particular, as of the beginning of 2023, the number of pigs in Ukraine is less than 5 million. According to expert forecasts, this year's pork production will not exceed 600 thousand tons, which is 17% less than in 2021 and 6.4% less than last year," said Oksana Yurchenko, President of the Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders (AUPB).
When asked about the biggest challenges for the agricultural sector of Ukraine, business representatives unequivocally answered that it is the demining of agricultural land. According to Denys Prokopets, CEO of Agrocomplex Slobozhansky, PJSC (Kharkiv region, Chuhuiv district), only 10% of the seven thousand hectares of land have been cleared of mines since the de-occupation of the territory where the company is located in September 2022. The cost of demining one hectare reaches 30 000 $. That is, it will take more than $200 million and years to clear the entire area where the company sows grain from mines and explosives.
Participants also noted the worsening problem of staff shortages during the war, primarily due to the mobilization of conscripts, and the need for rapid training programs for employees.
During the meetings, they also discussed the vision for the development of the livestock sector. For example, cheaper feedstock and steady demand for meat have given impetus to the recovery of pig production. Although the increase in livestock is constrained by epizootic risks and the inability to export products, producers are ready to invest in this business. That is why studying the best global experience is very important.
"We believe in Ukraine's complete victory and are committed to helping restore and develop its agricultural sector. It is important that such support programs meet the needs of producers and help overcome the obstacles they face," commented Joseph Gilson, a member of Senator Grassley's expert team.
The USDA noted the long-term cooperation with the the Ukrainian Pig Breeders and its readiness to continue to support the sector in health issues, harmonization of legislation and professional development.
The objective of the USAID (AGRO) program is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth through the development of agriculture in Ukraine.
The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders (AUPB) is a non-profit, voluntary organization founded by domestic pork producers. The main goals of the association are to represent and protect the rights and interests of the association's farms, promote the development and implementation of new technologies for efficient pork production, expand sales markets, and protect the domestic market.
