UN agency rolls out three-year plan to safeguard Ukraine’s bread basket

This article is published in association with United Nations.

Ukraine’s agricultural sector remains under intense pressure as the war continues to disrupt food production and endanger civilians, the UN food security agency warned on Tuesday, as it unveiled a new three-year plan to help farmers survive and protect their livelihoods.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released its emergency response and early recovery plan, outlining priority measures to protect agricultural livelihoods, restore production and strengthen the whole agrifood sector.

The plan links immediate emergency assistance with early recovery and resilience-building.

It prioritises protection of food production for vulnerable rural families and small-scale farmers, rehabilitating agricultural land, boosting core production and supporting more market-oriented and climate-resilient farming.

“Ukraine’s rural communities cannot afford a pause between emergency response and recovery,” said Shakhnoza Muminova, Head of FAO in Ukraine.

“This Plan is designed to bridge that gap – protecting livelihoods now, restoring safe access to land and supporting farmers and rural families to rebuild production.”

Early recovery refers to restoring basic livelihoods and services while emergency needs continue, helping communities move beyond survival and reduce long-term dependence on aid.

Focus on the frontline

FAO said special attention will be given to frontline regions, women and youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees, as well as to land affected by explosive remnants such as landmines.

The agency’s current portfolio in Ukraine totals $25.9 million, with most funding directed to emergency and early recovery, but it warned that additional resources are needed to prevent further losses.

“Continued, predictable support is critical to prevent deeper losses and to sustain recovery efforts over time,” Ms. Muminova said.

Civilians at constant risk

The challenges facing agriculture unfold amid continued risks to civilians.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), an older civilian was killed and two others injured in the Kherson region on Monday while waiting for a food distribution.

“It is outrageous that once again a drone strike…killed one and injured two older residents who were at a food distribution point,” said Matthias Schmale, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine.

Humanitarian workers provided first aid, and the injured are receiving hospital care.