FAO to open office in Ukraine

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the agreement on the establishment of a project office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the country and the provision of technical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, the Economy Ministry reports.

First Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko was authorized to sign the agreement adopted at the meeting on September 27.

"Ukraine has long and productively cooperated with FAO, an organization whose mission is to fight hunger around the world. However, due to the war started by russia, it is we who need help now. FAO offers it, in particular, by implementing programs to support Ukrainian farmers together with the governments of partner countries," said Yulia Svyrydenko.

She added that the Government expects stronger coordination in the grain export issues from the organization. According to the First Vice Prime Minister, in the future cooperation with FAO will contribute to the growth of Ukrainian exports and the creation of an export-oriented economy with high added value.

It is marked that Ukraine will further assist countries experiencing acute food shortages.

With the beginning of the large-scale invasion of russia, FAO updated its rapid response plan in Ukraine to help small and medium-sized Ukrainian farmers.

As of mid-August, FAO provided emergency agricultural services (seeds, multi-purpose cash assistance) to 80 thou. people in 13 regions of Ukraine funded by countries and non-governmental organizations.