An open event was held in Ukraine to mark the launch of the third phase of the EU4SmallFarms and EU4SaferFood projects, through which the European Union is providing over 12 million euros to develop agriculture, rural areas, and implement reforms in food safety.
Key government bodies participated in the event, including the Ministry of Economy, the State Forest Agency, the State Fisheries Agency, as well as representatives of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.
The new phase of the projects focuses on:
- Developing small and family-owned farms;
- Aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU standards in agriculture, food safety, animal health and welfare, and phytosanitary measures;
- Strengthening the institutional capacity of state authorities.
“The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine on its path to EU integration, particularly in agriculture and food safety. Within the third phase of the EU4SmallFarms and EU4SaferFood projects, the EU is providing over 12 million euros to support the implementation of key reforms, align Ukrainian legislation with EU law, and strengthen institutional capacity. This will improve the quality and safety of agricultural products, develop rural areas, and create new opportunities for Ukrainian producers to access the EU market,” said Stefan Schloening, Head of Cooperation Programs at the EU Delegation to Ukraine.
“Ukraine’s partnership with the European Union is not just about financial support. It is a strategic path to modernizing our agricultural sector and creating a transparent, effective oversight and control system. Through this partnership, we strengthen state institutions, implement modern approaches to quality and food safety control, animal health and welfare, and phytosanitary measures. This not only increases consumer trust but also gives Ukrainian producers the tools to enter European markets in compliance with EU standards. Developing the oversight system is a fundamental investment in food safety, effective state control, and sustainable development of rural areas,” emphasized Serhii Tkachuk, Head of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.
The projects will run for 40 months and will be implemented in close cooperation with key Ukrainian institutions, including the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the State Forest Resources Agency, and the State Agency for Land Reclamation, Fisheries, and Food Programs.
The project “Improving Legislation, Control, and Awareness in the Areas of Food Safety, Animal Health and Welfare, and Phytosanitary Measures in Ukraine” (EU4SaferFood) is funded by the EU. Its main goal is to help Ukraine:
- develop and implement key reforms based on EU law in food safety, animal health and welfare, and phytosanitary areas;
- enhance the Ukrainian state control system in these areas to ensure alignment with EU standards.
Key beneficiaries are the Ministry of Economy and the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The third phase runs from March 2026 to July 2029 with a budget of 5.4 million euros.
The project “Support for Aligning Ukrainian Legislation, Policies, and Institutions with the EU Acquis in Agriculture and Rural Development” (EU4SmallFarms) is funded by the EU. Its main goal is to help Ukraine:
- adapt legislation to the Common Agricultural Policy and EU rules and regulations;
- provide support for further development of small and family farms in accordance with EU rural development principles. Beneficiaries are the Ministry of Economy, the State Fisheries Agency, and the State Forest Agency.
The third phase runs from October 2025 to February 2029 with a budget of 7.5 million euros.
