Energy support: Ukrainian food producers received generators from FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and with the financial support from German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has successfully distributed 17 generators with capacities ranging from 27 to 88 kW to food producers and processors from Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Kharkivska, Mykolaivska and Sumska oblasts.

The selected enterprises previously applied for the call for application for this programme and successfully passed all stages of verification regarding compliance with the programme criteria. In total, FAO received 395 applications from food producers and processors from nine frontline oblasts of Ukraine, from those in need of an additional source of energy.

"We are grateful to our foreign partners for the timely support, which will help our agri-food systems maintain smooth and uninterrupted operation. It is essential that, at a time when the country's energy sector suffers from constant shelling and infrastructure damage, food producers and processors have the stability to operate, especially in the territories where the Ukrainian Government regained control," noted Denys Bashlyk, the Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food for Digital Development, Digital Transformations and Digitalization.

As part of a broader initiative of FAO, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and the German government, it is planned to provide in total 245 generators with a capacity of up to 440 kW to small and medium-sized enterprises from Chernihivska, Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Kharkivska, Khersonska, Mykolaivska, Odeska, Sumska and Zaporizka oblasts. Of them, 114 generators have already found their owners, and another 131 generators are planned to be distributed in the coming weeks. In particular, they will be provided to the enterprises working in livestock, processing and production of basic food products: bread, meat, milk.

"Food production is a continuous process. There are no pauses or interruptions, as this will affect the quality of the food. By providing farmers and processors with reliable sources of energy, we not only ensure uninterrupted food production, but also ensure food security for the local population. Even during power outages, everyone can consume fresh, useful and high-quality products," explained Mauro Minetti, FAO Ukraine cash and voucher assistance specialist.

"This kind of assistance is also an important step towards maintaining economic stability and providing vital services for the local population. Germany will continue supporting Ukraine in the development and recovery of the agricultural sector," said Ansgar Aschfalk, First Secretary, Counselor for Food and Agriculture of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The provision of generators is part of FAO's comprehensive Emergency Response Plan for 2024, aimed at protecting agricultural livelihoods and supporting rural populations in war-affected areas of Ukraine. The plan includes a wide range of interventions, such as the provision of agricultural inputs, support for livestock production, and the enhancement of food security through the stabilization of production chains. Together with its partners, FAO will continue strengthening the resilience of Ukraine's agri-food systems, ensuring that farmers and food producers have the necessary tools to sustain production.