The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved the New Horizons technical cooperation program aimed at stimulating innovative investments in Ukraine’s agri-food system, the bank’s press service reported.
The project is expected to become a key tool for restoring the national economy and accelerating the European integration of agribusiness, the EBRD noted.
According to the project description, the program is focused on supporting businesses that implement advanced technologies in food production and agriculture.
The key areas of the New Horizons program are stimulating investment based on a combination of industry analytics and mapping opportunities for informed investment decisions; supporting high-potential segments by supporting areas such as alternative protein production and sustainable intensive agricultural production.
In addition, the project aims to establish international cooperation, in particular between Ukrainian businesses and leading international research and development (R&D) institutions, to strengthen innovation potential. It is expected that selected Ukrainian enterprises will be provided with audit and innovation screening services to identify opportunities for modernizing their business processes.
The program also includes a review of the Ukrainian agrotech sector’s compliance with EU requirements for food safety, sustainable development, and digital trade standards.
The research results and innovation opportunities will be presented to Ukrainian companies during a special knowledge-sharing event that will bring together technology developers, startups, and large agribusinesses.
The EBRD is the largest institutional investor in Ukraine. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the bank has directed more than EUR 8.5 billion to the country to support energy security, critical infrastructure, food security, trade, and the private sector.
