Third phase of international projects supporting the European integration of Ukraine’s agricultural sector triggers

The launch of the third stage of European Union projects was announced in Ukraine: Institutional and Policy Reform for Smallholder Agriculture Project, Phase III (IPRSA III - EU4SmallFarms) and Support to align Ukrainian Legislation, Policies and Institutions with the EU acquis in the field of agricultural and rural development (ILCA III – EU4SaferFood). This new phase of cooperation provides over EUR 121 million in support for the development of small-scale farming, rural areas, and the continued implementation of reforms in the field of food safety.

The event “EU4SmallFarms and EU4SaferFood: Presentation of EU Projects” brought together representatives of the European Union, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the State Forestry Agency, the State Fisheries Agency, international projects, and partner institutions.

The new phase of the projects has a clear practical objective— to help Ukraine bring its legislation, public services, and the day-to-day operations of the agricultural sector closer to EU standards faster. The projects are funded under the Ukraine Facility and are part of a broader partnership between Ukraine and the European Union on the path to EU membership and integration into the EU internal market.

In his opening remarks, Denys Bashlyk, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, emphasized that the new phase of EU4SmallFarms and EU4SaferFood would be an important step in further aligning Ukraine’s agricultural sector and food safety system with EU standards.

“EU projects have already become an important part of the practical changes that Ukraine is consistently implementing in the agricultural sector. Thanks to this cooperation, we are updating legislation, strengthening state institutions, developing services, and introducing digital tools for farmers, which makes the system more modern, transparent, and efficient. “We are sincerely grateful to the EU for its consistent support, professional dialogue, and joint work on solutions that deliver concrete results,” noted Denys Bashlyk.

Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, also emphasized the importance of ongoing joint efforts.

“The implementation of these projects will contribute to further aligning Ukrainian policies and practices with EU standards, strengthening the system of state control, and creating new opportunities for Ukrainian market operators,” noted Taras Vysotskyi during an online briefing.

The practical implementation of this new phase of support covers two distinct but interrelated areas. The first of these—the EU4SmallFarms project, with a budget of EUR 7.5 million — will help Ukraine adapt its legislation in line with the Common Agricultural Policy and EU standards, as well as strengthen support for small and family farms in accordance with EU principles of development of rural areas.

The second initiative—the EU4SaferFood project, with a budget of EUR 5.4 million—focuses on areas that directly determine the safety of Ukrainian food products, consumer confidence in them, and their compliance with EU standards. Its key objectives include transforming the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, updating legislation and practices in the areas of animal health and welfare, as well as phytosanitary measures. Additionally, the project aims to develop the E-food and PHIS systems, improve animal identification and registration, and provide continuous training for specialists.

Both projects will last 40 months and will be implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the State Forestry Agency, and the State Fisheries Agency. For Ukraine, this means not only technical assistance but also systemic changes designed to strengthen the agricultural sector, revitalize rural areas, and align Ukrainian products with the standards of the EU Single Market.