USAID announces launch of grant program for Ukrainian agricultural enterprises

MOSCOW. April 3 (Interfax) - The USAID Agriculture and Rural Development Support Program has announced the launch of a program to co-finance 20 Ukrainian agricultural processing enterprises intending to restore and develop their export potential, Ukrainian media said, citing the press service for the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry.

Eligible participants are non-state (private) enterprises/companies that have export-focused development strategies and are regular exporters, the ministry said.

Such enterprises may receive co-financing in order to increase raw stuff procurement and processing, including by inviting micro, small and medium-sized agricultural producers to engage in long-term partnerships. Grant program applicants will also be able to introduce new grain processing technologies to raise their productivity by at least 25%.

Enterprises are also expected to use grant funds to develop a long-term expert strategy, increase sales 20% through five new export channels and end product markets and boost sales on foreign markets, the ministry said.

The USAID AGRO program aims to restore and bolster processing capacities to manufacture value-added products for export such as corn to make compound feed and food products, wheat for commercial, industrial and cattle feed purposes, rye for industrial and cattle feed purposes, industrial sunflower seeds, high oleic sunflower seeds, soybeans for industrial and cattle feed purposes, and varietal and regular cycle seeds.

The donor organization has also drawn applicants' attention to the fact that projects involving grain, oilseeds and legumes storage, including acceptance, cleaning, drying, storage and shipping of grain for transportation by rail or by road cannot take part in this program.

The application deadline is May 31, 2024.