Agricultural producers in Sumy region who suffered as a result of military operations or are at risk will receive significant support from the government and international partners. The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from the European Union, announced the launch of a new assistance program for farmers in Sumy region.
The initiative provides certified vouchers worth USD 1,000 that farmers can use to purchase quality seed and mineral fertilizers for the spring and fall sowing campaigns.
Contents
The purpose of the program
The key goal of the program is to stimulate agricultural production in the de-occupied and frontline areas of Sumy region. Due to shelling, mining of fields, destruction of equipment and logistics, many farmers were unable to fully sow their fields in 2023-2024. Therefore, financial support is aimed at:
- Ensure a stable food supply in the region.
- Support small and medium-sized farmers who are working on the verge of survival.
- Restore the infrastructure for the production of grain and industrial crops.
- Reduce food shortages during the war.
According to Vitaliy Koval, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine:
«This initiative is aimed at helping farmers to conduct spring and fall sowing campaigns, restore agricultural production and ensure food security in war-affected communities».
Who is this program for?
The program is targeted at small and medium-sized farms in Sumy Oblast that are:
- They own or lease from 10 to 300 hectares of agricultural land.
- They are officially registered and conduct business activities.
- They can confirm the use of a voucher for seeds or fertilizers.
Priority categories:
- Women farm managers as part of supporting gender equality.
- Farmers from communities affected by hostilities or in high-risk areas.
- Farms with the potential to resume production.
Important: Submitting an application does not guarantee automatic receipt of assistance. The selection criteria are based on an assessment of the farm’s actual situation and capabilities.
How to apply for the program?
All participants must be registered in the State Agrarian Register (SAR), an electronic system created by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy for the transparent distribution of state and international aid.
- Registration is available at the link: https://dar.gov.ua
- Instructions for registration: Instructions for registration in the State Archives
- Instructions for editing data: Instructions for logging in and editing the DAR
After registering with the DAR, you must:
- Log in to your personal account.
- Select the appropriate assistance program.
- Fill out the application according to the instructions.
- Submit it by May 26, 2025 inclusive.
What happens after the application is submitted?
After a farmer applies for participation in the program through the State Agrarian Register, an important stage begins: verification, selection and implementation of support. This process is transparent, step-by-step and involves both Ukrainian and international experts. The goal is to make sure that vouchers are given to those farms that really need help, have the potential to resume operations, and are able to use the resources efficiently. In this section, we will look at how applications are reviewed, who makes the decision, and how and when you can expect to receive a voucher.
Data verification
After submitting the application, the verification stage begins, during which specialists analyze the information entered into the SAR for compliance with the program criteria. This is necessary to ensure transparency, efficient allocation of resources and support for those farms that need help the most.
Applications will be thoroughly reviewed for compliance with the established criteria. Special attention will be paid to:
- The size of the land bank.
- Form of business (individual entrepreneur, farm, etc.).
- Geographical location.
- Compliance with the declared expenses (seeds and fertilizers).
Receiving a voucher
After successfully applying and being selected, farmers will receive a personalized voucher that allows them to purchase seeds and fertilizers from selected suppliers. Below is an overview of how the voucher process works and what you need to know to use it effectively.
Participants who are selected will be notified via their personal account in the DAR, which will also include their name:
- Terms of use of the voucher.
- List of suppliers of seeds and fertilizers.
- Validity of the voucher.
- Further reporting instructions.
Typically, vouchers are sold through approved suppliers, a list of which is compiled by the program partners, the FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture.
How to use the voucher?
Funds in the form of a voucher are not issued in cash. They can only be used at official points of sale approved by the program. Farmers will be able to purchase:
- Seeds of cereals, legumes, industrial crops (wheat, barley, sunflower, corn, etc.).
- Mineral fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, potash or complex fertilizers).
It is important to comply with these conditions, as misuse of the voucher or violation of the rules will lead to exclusion from the program.
Why is this program important right now?
Sumy region is a strategic agricultural region that has traditionally provided significant volumes of products for the domestic market and exports. Since the outbreak of full-scale war, agricultural activities have been partially halted or restricted, especially in the border areas.
The return to active production is:
- Reducing the risk of hunger and food shortages.
- Restoring employment in rural communities.
- Support for the Ukrainian economy as a whole.
Conclusion
The voucher support program for farmers in Sumy region is not only financial assistance, but also a clear signal of international solidarity with Ukrainian farmers. Amidst the war, this decision allows us to preserve crops, jobs, and hope for the future. We urge all Sumy region farmers to register with the SAV and apply by May 26, 2025, to take advantage of this unique support opportunity.
