The grants, totaling 19.3 million UAH, were announced by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food on December 1, 2024.
Overview of the "eWork" Grant Program
The "eWork" program, established on July 1, 2022, is designed to bolster the agricultural sector by providing financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The program focuses on several key areas, including horticulture, berry cultivation, viticulture, and greenhouse farming, offering grants to foster business creation and expansion in these fields.
Recent Grant Allocations
Since the beginning of 2024, the government has disbursed a total of 464.8 million UAH in grant aid to 109 agricultural producers. The latest allocation includes:
- 19.3 million UAH granted to four new agricultural enterprises.
- 312.8 million UAH allocated to 75 enterprises for the development of horticulture, berry growing, and viticulture.
- 152 million UAH provided to 34 enterprises for greenhouse farming.
In total, 1.17 billion UAH has been distributed to 251 agricultural producers since the inception of the program, with 849.9 million UAH supporting 191 farms in horticulture, berry growing, and viticulture, and 319.8 million UAH aiding 65 greenhouse farms.
Program Benefits and Eligibility
The "eWork" grant program offers several advantages to applicants, including:
- Funding Coverage: Grants cover up to 70% of the project cost, with a maximum limit of 10 million UAH per project.
- Applicant Contribution: Applicants are required to finance at least 30% of the project cost through their own funds or loans.
- Employment Requirements:
- Orchards: Must employ between 5 to 10 permanent and 125-425 seasonal workers, depending on the plantation type.
- Greenhouses: Must hire at least 4 permanent and 10 seasonal workers per hectare.
Recent Program Enhancements
In August 2024, the government expanded the grant conditions to further support the development of viticulture and horticulture, making it easier for businesses in these sectors to access financial assistance.
Impact of the Grants
The state grants have significantly contributed to the growth and modernization of Ukraine’s agricultural sector. Yulia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, emphasized the program's success:
“The allocation of grants through the 'eWork' program has been instrumental in fostering innovation and expansion within Ukraine’s agricultural industries. By supporting horticulture, berry growing, viticulture, and greenhouse farming, we are ensuring sustainable growth and economic resilience in these critical sectors.”
International Support and Future Prospects
The "eWork" program’s financing for 2024-2025 is bolstered by international support, notably from the World Bank under the “Emergency Project for Providing Inclusive Support for the Restoration of Agriculture in Ukraine (ARISE)”. This collaboration aims to address the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and promote the restoration and development of Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure.
Long-Term Goals
The Ukrainian government plans to continue expanding the "eWork" program to support more agricultural enterprises, enhance productivity, and attract further investments into the sector. By streamlining grant processes and increasing financial support, Ukraine aims to strengthen its agricultural base and ensure food security and economic stability.
Conclusion
The recent grants awarded under the "eWork" program highlight the Ukrainian government’s commitment to supporting and revitalizing the agricultural sector. By providing financial assistance to SMEs engaged in horticulture, berry growing, viticulture, and greenhouse farming, the program not only fosters business growth but also contributes to the broader goals of economic development and resilience.
As Ukraine continues to navigate its path toward recovery and modernization, initiatives like the "eWork" grant program play a crucial role in building a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future for the nation.
