AFC starts new project on organic agriculture

AFC starts new project on organic agriculture

AFC has been contracted to implement the project “German-Ukrainian Cooperation in organic farming” by GFA as the general agent of the bilateral cooperation programme of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Starting in June 2016, AFC will support the development of the organic farming sector in the Ukraine through capacity building on the levels of farms, universities, agricultural advisory services and the local and regional administrations. Furthermore, capacities to promote and regulate the organic farming sector in the Ukraine shall be improved on the ministerial level. Through this support, the project aims to contribute to strengthening the knowledge and skills of professional and managerial staff in the field of organic agriculture.

The Ukrainian organic agricultural sector is characterized by large land sizes and a focus on the production of cereals and sunflower seeds. Currently around 200 farms are producing organic products on around 400.000 hectare. In addition to this, 220.000 hectares are utilized to collect organic berries, mushrooms and medicinal plants.    

The project will be implemented by AFC in cooperation with IAK and the Ukrainian partners GALEKS-AGRO (organic agricultural business in Ukraine) and the Zhytomyr National University of Agriculture and Ecology (NAEUZ). For the next three years, one German expert on organic agriculture will lead the projects’ activities.  

With this new project AFC is now implementing five projects in the Ukraine in the fields of agricultural and financial sector development. Projects on the establishment of an agricultural demonstration and training centre, agricultural trade and the agricultural policy dialogue are also funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).     

For further information please contact Stefanie Maak (stefanie.maak [at] afci.de) or Nico Wilms-Posen (nico.wilms-posen [at] afci.de).