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FAO launches a $150 million Emergency & Early Recovery Response Plan for Ukraine to support war-affected rural communities
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Wednesday, 23 April, 2025, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Kyiv
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The war in Ukraine continues inflicting pressure on the agricultural sector, making it increasingly difficult for farmers and rural families to continue food production and sustain their livelihoods. In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a two-year Emergency and Early Recovery Response Plan (EERRP) 2025–2026, designed to support over half a million vulnerable people in restoring agricultural production, protecting livelihoods and building long-term resilience.
Mohammed Azouqa, head of the FAO Office in Ukraine, said, “This plan comes at a time when Ukrainian farmers are still facing enormous challenges – from mined fields and destroyed infrastructure to limited access to markets. Through the EERRP 2025–2026, FAO continues supporting Ukraine’s efforts to address the impact of the war, particularly in rural areas near the frontline. We remain committed to strengthening the resilience of the country’s agricultural sector and contributing to long-term food security in Ukraine and beyond.”
According to the Fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (February 2022–December 2024) conducted by the World Bank, the total damage and losses in the sector are estimated at nearly $84 billion, with an additional $1.6 billion in the irrigation sector alone. The damage includes the destruction of storage facilities, fisheries, aquaculture systems and perennial crops, as well as the forced slaughter of livestock. It also covers the destruction and theft of machinery and equipment, along with stolen inputs and harvested products. In parallel, Ukraine faces one of the largest contamination crises in the world: as of December 2024, over 138 000 km² of land and 14 000 km² of water remained at risk due to explosive remnants of war and landmines, posing ongoing threats to farming and food security.
Vitalii Koval, minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, said, “Despite these challenges, Ukrainian farmers continue to demonstrate resilience and remarkable strength. We are grateful for FAO’s practical support – from emergency inputs to long-term planning. Together with our partners, we are investing in the resilience of rural families and the future of Ukraine’s food systems, so they can recover and grow stronger.”
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