A significant coordination meeting took place in the Odesa region with Mr. Luigi Cavestro from the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM).
The primary focus was on the discussion of the initiation of the project «Program for Supporting the Recovery of Ukraine's Agricultural Potential. Pro.UKR», to be implemented with the support of AICS and CIHEAM.
This project has been developed collaboratively by Italian experts and specialists from the Odesa region along with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, and will cover the Berezivka, Rozdilna, and Odesa districts.
The project's goal is to support small and medium-sized agricultural businesses, strengthen the positions of Ukrainian agri-food products in international markets through technological assistance and increase quality to meet European standards, as well as to develop livestock farming. Additionally, support will be provided for the enhancement of irrigation systems in the Odesa region.
The main idea of the project is to train and establish cooperatives for processing agricultural products from small enterprises while fostering stable connections between Ukrainian and Italian markets.
As part of the joint initiative, CIHEAM plans to invest over 9 million euros into the agricultural industry of Odesa.
As a reminder, at the end of March, the Italian Ambassador to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa, signed an agreement with CIHEAM to launch the mentioned project.
The «Pro.UKR» project is part of broader efforts by Italy to support the recovery of Ukraine and the Odesa region aimed at enhancing the country's economic and social resilience in these challenging times.