CEI Support to Strengthen Institutional Capacity and Performance of Ukrainian Agri-Food Sector and Rural Development Through Application of EU Policy Tools and Good Practices

CEI-Funded Initiative Launched to Strengthen Ukrainian Agri-Food Sector with European Research and Policy Practices

A new initiative titled 'CEI Support to Strengthen Institutional Capacity and Performance of Ukrainian Agri-Food Sector and Rural Development Through Application of EU Policy Tools and Good Practices' officially began on April 16 with a cross-border webinar. The project, implemented by the Institute of Agriculture and Food Economics – National Research Institute (IAFE NRI) and the Odesa National Economic University (ONEU), is funded by the Central European Initiative (CEI).

Marek Wigier, lead at IAFE NRI, emphasized the institute’s commitment to advancing the sector: 'We are dedicated to continual improvement and are proud to be at the forefront of this project that promises to set new standards in agri-food policy and practice.'

Rector Anatoly Kovalev of ONEU highlighted the initiative's broader impact: 'ONEU is poised to become a knowledge hub, disseminating the expertise and innovative practices we gain to other Ukrainian institutions, policymakers, and the agribusiness sector.'

The project will utilize the Tools4CAP initiative, a cutting-edge training and guidance program in agricultural analysis and policy guidance. It aligns with the EU’s 'New Delivery Model,' offering a results-oriented approach that grants Member States and aspiring members, like Ukraine, the flexibility to design effective, country-specific strategies under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

This initiative aims to enhance Ukraine's harmonization with European Union standards in agriculture and rural development, positioning the country’s agricultural strategies as pivotal in fostering balanced rural development, production, and environmental actions.

Elisabetta Dovier, from the CEI Know-How Exchange Program, celebrated the project's collaborative spirit: 'This collaboration embodies a true partnership, one that fosters mutual enrichment and a shared journey towards sustainable development across Europe.'