On 11 March, a meeting of agrarians and members of the Ukrainian Agrarian Council (UAC) took place in Odesa, bringing together industry representatives to discuss the most pressing issues and ways to develop the agricultural sector. The event was a landmark in the process of shaping the future of agricultural policy in Odesa region and across Ukraine.

The meeting began with a welcome speech by the Head of the Odesa Regional State Administration, Oleg Kiper, who attended the event as a guest of honour. His speech set the stage for a constructive dialogue. Oleg Kiper underlined the importance of farmers as a reliable pillar of state power, stressing that the country's welfare depends on their professionalism and hard work. Expressing his support, he also recalled the order issued in August 2023 to strengthen customs control in Odesa region, which significantly changed the conditions for exporting agricultural products from Odesa region. The decision concerned the introduction of specific customs rules in the region that differed from standard procedures in the rest of Ukraine. This step was a response to a number of challenges faced by the region's agricultural sector and was aimed at ensuring more transparent and efficient logistics of agricultural products. This decision helped to remove more than 35% turnover from the shadow market and create transparent conditions for the export of agricultural products. "The main purpose of this order was to strengthen the fight against the so-called 'black market', which used to be active in the agricultural sector. The problem with shadow export operations, when some agricultural products were exported without proper control and without paying taxes, was becoming a significant obstacle to the development of the regional economy and taxes to the state budget. The introduction of special customs rules for Odesa region helped to reduce corruption, cut off channels for illegal supplies and increase revenues to local and state budgets. "Fighting the so-called 'black market' is a priority in my work. We must strengthen the position of Odesa region as the main logistics hub of the country," said Oleg Kiper.

Viktor Kozhukharenko, a representative of the Victoria Farm, thanked Oleg Kiper for supporting farmers and asked him to deal with the issue of non-payment of the minimum tax liability (MTL) by so-called "single farmers". According to Kozhukharenko, there are such small farmers in every village, and their share can be up to 30-40%. This leads to serious shortfalls in local budgets, which directly affects the development of infrastructure, social programmes and support for local communities.

The amount of these lost funds is not just a number. This is the money that is missing to create new jobs, to develop kindergartens and schools, and to build roads. Each underpaid hryvnia has its own significance and its own place in the overall chain of national development.

"This is a systemic problem that needs to be addressed immediately. The government and local authorities must find mechanisms to control and encourage such farmers, because every tax paid is an investment in the country's future. And a small farmer must realise that his responsibility to the state and community is no less important than his right to work and profit," said Mr Kozhukharenko.

One of the important topics of the meeting was the development of viticulture in the Odesa region. Concerns were raised about the spread of counterfeiting in the industry, in particular, about the situation when some farmers have vineyards only on paper, but in reality sell "grape drinks under the guise of wine". It was recommended to strengthen control and prohibit product falsification, which destroys the reputation of Ukrainian wines.

During the meeting, attention was drawn to the speech of Andriy Dykun, the chairman of the UAC. He shared his extremely valuable experience, which could become a model for Odesa region. Andrii Dykun suggested that Odesa Oblast join the successful practice of Khmelnytskyi Oblast, where a full audit of the property on the balance sheet of the Oblast Council was conducted with the assistance of the Oblast authorities.

This audit became the basis for the subsequent sale of the property, and the proceeds are used for important and necessary initiatives: the development of local communities and, most importantly, to support our brave military. This example of Khmelnytsky region, where the authorities managed not only to manage resources efficiently but also to direct them to support our heroes, has become a true symbol of unity and mutual support in times of war. Andriy Dykun called on the regional authorities to follow suit, as the resources generated by smart property management can become an important part of the region's development strategy and support for our defenders.

Alla Stoyanovais known for its deep commitment to the agricultural sector and development of Odesa regiononce again raised an extremely important issue that concerns not only farmers but also all residents of the region - the issue of clearing canals and water bodies. Her words were filled with deep concern for the future of Odesa region: "Farmers, as always, show great initiative and do a lot with their own hands and at their own expense. However, more than ever, we need help with equipment to clear canals and maintain irrigation. Odesa region's water management companies are now investing millions of hryvnias to restore this infrastructure, but it is not enough. We face serious challenges when we lack the technical capabilities to carry out these works at the proper level."

Her words, full of pain for the current situation, emphasise the importance of a comprehensive approach to the development of the OVC, which is the main link for irrigation in the region. She emphasised the need for support from the state and regional authorities to ease the hard work of farmers and ensure the efficient functioning of the infrastructure that supports sustainable agricultural development. "The development of the Odesa region's water management system is not just a matter of irrigation, it is a matter of the livelihood of our villages and communities. If we want our fields to produce crops and our villages to prosper, we must help farmers and provide them with the necessary resources and technical support," Alla Stoyanova emphasised.

The importance of solving this problem cannot be overestimated, as not only crops but also the environmental condition of the region depend on the functioning of the irrigation system. Therefore, support from the state and cooperation with local authorities are critical for the development of Odesa region, ensuring its food security and improving the quality of life of its residents.

Oleg Kiper replied that there are already preliminary agreements with Italian partners on financing in the amount of almost EUR 15 million to implement priority tasks in this area. He also added that irrigation is one of the main topics in his work, and negotiations are already underway with the central authorities to develop mechanisms, and that the regional authorities have become an active participant in addressing this issue.

Fedir Zlatov, a representative of Balkany Farm, drew attention to the issue of repairing a section of the M-15 highway near Sarat, which is an important route for farmers. "Since the outbreak of the war, this road has become the line of the country's agricultural life. However, a significant flow of trucks caused serious damage to the road. We, the farmers, are repairing everything we can, but this issue cannot be resolved on our own," said Mr Zlatov.

Andrii Dykun stressed the importance of building human resources for the agricultural sector. The UAC has developed the Agrosphere training course, which is already available in more than 100 educational institutions in Ukraine, and it is proposed to introduce it in Odesa region. He also thanked Mykhailo Lazarenko, Head of the Podil District State Administration, for his active work. "In Odesa region, one of the examples for us is the work organised by Mykhailo Lazarenko. This is a real example of how efforts can be joined at the district level for a common goal. Schools are actively involved in the agro-education programme, and at the community level, we are constantly working to organise assistance to our military. Support from the district includes not only financial assistance, but also the provision of cars, which is important for our defenders. This is the embodiment of true patriotism and efficiency.

Mykhailo Lazarenko is a good example of an effective civil servant who not only solves local issues but also makes a great contribution to supporting the army and developing his community. His dedication, activity and ability to organise work on the ground is something that should serve as an example for all of us," said Andriy Dykun.

Mykhailo Lazarenko, Head of the Podil District Military Administration, said: "We need not only to win the war, but also to rebuild our country. Victory at the front is only the first step. We have a lot of work ahead of us - restoration, revival, reconstruction. I see this as my priority, because we have to create the foundation for the future, on which our villages and communities will grow again. The development of the agricultural sector is the key to the success of community development," he said, emphasising the importance of farmers in reviving our economy and supporting the vital activity of villages and towns.

Anatoliy Artemenko stressed that discussions on key issues, including support for farmers and infrastructure development, not only strengthen the region's economic position but also enhance its role in the national logistics system. "This is the moment when each of us must understand that the future of our country depends on us. And every support, every step forward, every decision we make today becomes the basis for a great victory tomorrow," added the advisor to the head of the UBA.

Alla Stoyanova, who has a deep understanding of the importance of the agricultural sector for Odesa region, emphasised: "Agrarians are the heart of our region. They not only feed the country, but also keep the economy going, provide jobs and support the development of our villages. Supporting farmers is our shared responsibility, because without a strong agricultural sector there will be no strong communities, and without strong communities there will be no strong Ukraine. We have to provide them with everything they need: from machinery to financing, from stable policies to real support on the ground. Every day that farmers spend in the fields is an investment in the future of our country. That is why our support must be continuous and at all levels. They deserve it, because they are the foundation on which our country stands."

Her words were an expression of her deep belief in the importance of agrarians for the development of Odesa region and Ukraine as a whole.

This meeting was an important step in the development of the agricultural sector in Odesa region, as discussions on issues such as customs control, anti-counterfeiting, irrigation and human resources are extremely relevant to improving the efficiency and competitiveness of farmers. The decisions made at this event may become the basis for further changes that will contribute to the sustainable development of the region and the country's economy as a whole.

The meeting confirmed that cooperation between the authorities and farmers is an important condition for the development of rural areas, improving the well-being of communities and strengthening the position of Odesa region as one of the main agricultural hubs of Ukraine.

ACTING TOGETHER FOR VICTORY!