Vitalii Koval: New projects with Italy aimed at supporting farmers and irrigation in southern Ukraine

On the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC-2025) in Rome, two agreements were signed to launch specific projects supporting farmers in Odesa region.

This was announced by Vitalii Koval, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

“We have taken another important step towards the development of Ukrainian rural areas. Today, we signed two agreements that will enable targeted projects to support farmers in Odesa. The first is the launch of the Pro.UKR project. Together with CIHEAM Bari and the Odesa Regional State Administration, we signed an Implementation Agreement. This project, funded by the Italian government through AICS, will help small and medium-sized agricultural producers in Odesa establish cooperatives, access modern equipment, machinery, training, and consulting support,” said Vitalii Koval.

The Minister emphasised that fostering cooperation was a strategic priority. In the EU, for instance, in Italy, cooperatives account for over 55% of the agricultural sector. In Ukraine, more than 2,300 agricultural cooperatives are currently active, and they need a new impetus.

“The second agreement focuses on irrigation modernisation. Together with Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba, and with the support of the Italian government, we launched a new project to reconstruct the Tatarbunary and Kiliya irrigation systems. Its budget is EUR 6 million. The goal is to improve water resource efficiency, increase crop yields, and adapt the agricultural sector to climate change. The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food will oversee the implementation of this project. This is a significant step towards the systemic modernisation of irrigation in the region,” the Minister underscored.

Vitalii Koval expressed gratitude to Italy for its consistent support: “These are not just memoranda. These are concrete solutions that support the development of Ukrainian farming, food security, and a sustainable future for rural communities.”