A significant meeting took place with the manager of the international center for agronomic research (CIHEAM) in Bari, Mr. Luigi Cavestro.

The main topic was the discussion of the launch of the project "Program for Supporting the Restoration of the Economic Potential of Ukraine's Agri-food Sector. Pro.UKR", which will be implemented in the Odesa region with the support of AICS and CIHEAM.

The project was developed in collaboration with Italian experts and local specialists from the Odesa region and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, covering the Berezivka, Ovidiopol, and Odesa districts.

The project's goal is to support small and medium-sized agricultural businesses, enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian agri-food products in global markets through technological support and quality improvement according to European standards, and promote livestock development. The project also aims to provide assistance in developing irrigation systems in the Odesa region.

The core idea of the project is to train and create cooperatives from small agricultural enterprises for the processing of agricultural products, as well as to establish stable connections between Ukrainian and Italian markets.

As part of the joint project, CIHEAM plans to invest over 9 million euros in the agro-industry of Odesa.

It is worth noting that the Italian Ambassador to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa, signed an agreement with CIHEAM at the end of March to launch this project.

The "Pro.UKR" project is part of broader Italian efforts to support the recovery of Ukraine and the Odesa region, aiming to foster the country's economic and social resilience in the current challenging conditions.