USAID AGRO announces grant contest to develop processing of Ukrainian agricultural products

MOSCOW. July 29 (Interfax) - USAID AGRO will co-fund 15 projects to develop processing of Ukrainian agricultural products, Ukrainian media said, citing the donor's statement on a social network.

"The projects aim to improve and upgrade the processing of agricultural products in Ukraine in order to substitute imports and meet domestic demand, as well as to increase exports of processed products, create modern hubs and infrastructure of industrial parks, and develop the market for frozen, dried and canned products, cooked products and other ready-to-eat products," the statement said.

USAID expects the projects to draw investment in infrastructure, including freezers and storage equipment, and to create jobs.

The projects will focus on restoring and strengthening processing capacities for the production of value-added products from the following raw materials: vegetables and root crops, fruits, berries, legumes, corn for food products, greens, meat (except chicken), milk, and honey.

The statement said that the initiative does not support projects aimed at processing grain, oilseeds, nut crops and mushrooms, the production of alcoholic beverages, as well as projects for which, after processing, the finished product will not change its original code in the Ukrainian Trade Export and Import Classification.

USAID AGRO said it welcomed applications from Ukrainian private enterprises/companies with experience in processing agricultural products and with the potential and intentions to develop/increase the volume of production of processed products to meet domestic market demand and exports. Entities implementing the projects must be ready to co-invest at least 50% of the total project budget.

Those wishing to participate in the grant contest must register for the pre-application seminar by August 15, take part in it on August 16, and submit their bids for the first round by October 1. The USAID AGRO program will continue to accept sub-grant project concepts until January 26, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.