The new initiative is aimed at supporting organics manufacturers, Hubs reports.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has decided to extend potential for the activity and competitiveness of Ukrainian agricultural manufacturers on international markets, - the press-office of the financial institution reported.
According to the message, the new EBRD initiative is aimed at local manufactures of organic food products, which are interested in the entry to global market of certified organic food and beverage.
EBRD explained that the initiative is closely related with the strategy of the Cabinet of Ministers, in which the development of organic agriculture, processing and retail trade are ranked as top priorities.
In particular, the specialized event, which will be devoted to challenges and opportunities for Ukrainian manufactures of organic products, wishing to work on the relevant global market, the capacity of which is estimated at about $80 bln, will take place in Rivne with financial support from the US Treasury. The event will be arranged by EBRD and Public Union “Organic Ukraine” with the support of Rivnenska Regional Administration and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.
EBRD reminds that according to experts’ estimates, about 180 companies-manufacturers of organic products, which cultivate about 400,764 ha of certified organic agricultural lands (1% from total area of arable lands in Ukraine), are registered in Ukraine. This is much less than in EU countries (for example, in Austria 19.4% of arable lands are used for organic farming), that’s why there are opportunities for growth.
“The favorable geographical position gives Ukraine the possibility to ensure EU needs, where the organic food market grew four times for last ten years. The consumers of organic food in EU countries currently spend two times more than 10 years ago, and this trend will likely continue. However, EU has limited land resources for organic farming and that’s why it has to import organic products from more than 130 countries beyond Europe in order to cover demand, which is constantly growing”, the press-release says.
During the event in Rivne, in which the representatives of public and private sector, including the specialists of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine, the representatives of local authorities and professional associations, scientists, field experts, manufacturers and traders will participate, the main focus will be given to such topics, as the development of regional and international supply chains, strengthening competitiveness of local manufacturers of organic products , as well as the development of potential of small and medium companies, working in the Ukrainian sphere of organic food products.
EBRD does not report on concrete projects and possible volume of investments in EBRD yet.
EBRD is known to be the largest international financial investor in Ukraine. As of late May 2016, the bank undertook obligations on provision of about EUR 11.6 bln within 364 projects throughout the country.
