Ukrainian vegetable growers in eight regions now have a new opportunity to attract grant funding for farm modernization, processing development and the strengthening of post-harvest infrastructure. A new grant cycle has been launched through the State Agrarian Register, allowing farmers to receive up to UAH 1.1 million in support, EastFruit reports, citing SEEDS.
The programme is available to agricultural producers in Dnipropetrovsk, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Chernivtsi, Volyn, Ternopil and Khmelnytskyi regions. Applications are accepted through the State Agrarian Register until 14 June 2026.
For the vegetable sector, this support may be particularly important, as vegetable producers often face high costs for storage, post-harvest handling, sorting, cooling, packaging and logistics. Without investment in machinery, equipment and infrastructure, producers are often forced to sell a significant share of their crop during peak market supply, when prices are at their lowest.
The grant programme is aimed at supporting small producers who want not only to maintain production, but also to move towards a more resilient business model: improving product quality, developing processing, working with higher added value and strengthening their position in local and national markets.
“Small agricultural producers support the economy of many communities: they create jobs, preserve local production and form the basis for the development of local brands. Our task is to help them move from survival to development planning. Such programmes give farmers the opportunity to strengthen their farms, work with higher quality standards and enter markets with products that have greater economic value for Ukraine,” said Denys Bashlyk, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
Support for vegetable growers is provided in all eight regions covered by the programme, although the eligible areas of activity differ by region.
In Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Lviv, Ternopil and Khmelnytskyi regions, grants will be available to producers working in berry production, vegetable growing, aquaculture, as well as dairy production and processing.
In Zakarpattia region, in addition to traditional regional products such as Zakarpattian honey, Zakarpattian wine and traditional Hutsul cheeses, the programme will also support producers in vegetable growing, berry production, aquaculture and non-timber forest products.
In Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi regions, support will be available to producers of vegetables, berries, non-timber forest products, aquaculture and traditional Hutsul cheeses.
Grants will be provided in the hryvnia equivalent at the UN exchange rate in two categories:
up to UAH 440,500 — for small agricultural producers;
up to UAH 1,101,250 — for micro and small agribusinesses, agricultural cooperatives and producer associations working with products protected by geographical indications.
Programme participants are required to provide co-financing. The share of co-financing will depend on the selected area of activity.
For vegetable growers, this programme may become a practical tool for addressing several challenges at once: reducing post-harvest losses, improving marketable product quality, developing minimal processing, upgrading packaging and expanding sales opportunities beyond the short seasonal marketing window.
The initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with financial support from the European Union.
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