Mission of FAO's Resource Mobilization Division Director to Ukraine: scaling up support for agricultural recovery and development
Alexander Jones, Director of Resource Mobilization Division (PSR) at FAO, recently concluded a week-long mission to Ukraine, reaffirming FAO’s commitment to supporting the country’s agricultural sector amidst the challenges of war and economic instability.
During his visit, Mr Jones engaged with government officials, donors and UN partners to discuss the impact of FAO’s programmes and explore opportunities for expanding support. He also visited farmers who had benefited from FAO investment programme funded by the European Union (EU), helping them improve their enterprise efficiency and profitability.
Despite the significant challenges posed by labor shortages, high energy costs, logistical barriers, and the contamination of farmland with explosive remnants of war, farmers continue agricultural production, contributing to the national and global food supply chains.
“I am deeply impressed by the capacity of Ukrainian agriculture to navigate such extreme challenges,” said Mr Jones. “Agriculture in the country is not just a vital economic sector, it is a lifeline. FAO is committed to ensuring that farmers receive the support they need to boost production and build resilience for the future.”
Since the war escalation, FAO has significantly expanded its operations in Ukraine, making it one of FAO’s five largest country programmes worldwide. FAO has been implementing a range of initiatives to address both emergency needs and long-term challenges in the country. Since February 2022, over 250 000 rural families were supported by FAO and its resource partners with vegetable seeds and seed potatoes, animal feed, one-day-old chickens, cash assistance and vouchers, and over 13 000 farmers – with temporary solutions for grain storage, cereal seeds, generators, and matching grants, enabling them to resume production and strengthen value chains.
During his mission, Mr Jones also highlighted the importance of restoring farmland contaminated by explosive remnants of war. In collaboration with the World Food Programme, FAO is working to support farmers return to safe cultivation again.
“Ukrainian farmers are not subsistence farmers — they are businesses with significant capacity,” said Mr Jones. “Restoring access to these lands is not only vital for revitalizing rural livelihoods but also for safeguarding Ukraine’s role as a key player in global food systems.”
Looking ahead, FAO plans to expand its support in Ukraine, with a focus on sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture. Through EU-funded programmes, FAO has facilitated investments in solar power systems and modern irrigation technologies, enhancing energy efficiency and water management while supporting sustainable production. These technologies, already adopted by some of agriproducers, not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also contribute to reducing Ukraine’s carbon footprint.
With continued contributions from international donors and partnerships with the Government of Ukraine, FAO is committed to further expanding its efforts, focusing on renewable energy systems for agribusinesses, rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, and innovative solutions to strengthen value chains.
