Today, August 11, within the framework of the business part of the 32nd International Agroindustrial Exhibition "AGRO-2020" a panel discussion "State support of agro-industrial complex: focus in 2020 and strategy for 2021-2023" was held with the participation of the Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine Ihor Petrashko and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyy.

The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture, relevant associations, regional state administrations, agricultural enterprises, and the media.

"Agrarians and farmers who use state support programs have already assessed their sustainability and efficiency. The main programs are focused on supporting, first of all, small agricultural producers and farmers, the development of local markets and the opening of new export markets. Today we will discuss the current year's programs, as well as announce changes to the programs for 2021-2023, which we believe will be useful for the development of the agricultural sector," stressed Minister Ihor Petrashko.

He added that Ukraine currently produces more than 70 million tons of grain, and Ukraine's potential is 100-120 million tons. An important factor in obtaining stable yields is the upgrading of agricultural machinery.

"After our producers, farmers have realized that there is an opportunity to grow, there is stability, the market, export potential, they began to more actively produce agricultural machinery, which along with agricultural production has become one of the elements of the country's advancement in this direction," said Ihor Petrashko.

Attendees were informed about the current results of the implementation of support programs. Thus, under the program "Partial compensation for the cost of agricultural machinery and equipment of domestic production" farmers have already been compensated about UAH 716 million. The funds will be received by 1,481 farmers who have purchased 2,295 units of agricultural machinery and equipment to the tune of UAH 2.8 billion. In particular, 1,175 new items have been added to the list of machinery and equipment, and now there are 13,719 from 183 manufacturers. The list of manufacturing plants has also increased by 2.

In turn, Deputy Minister Taras Vysotskyy told in detail about the new areas and programs that are proposed to be introduced within the scope of the state support for 2021/2023. Priority areas were formed on the basis of numerous meetings with farmers and profile committees. In particular, there are envisaged the following directions: financial support for measures in the agro-industrial complex (loans, insurance); support for the production of niche crops (food security); support of farming; support for horticulture, viticulture, hop growing; potato growing; livestock breeding support; partial compensation for the cost of agricultural machinery.