AGRIS 3 Supports 50 Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Poltava and Khmelnytskyi Oblasts
A few years ago, Iryna and Anna from Poltava Oblast received their first micro grant through the AGRIS project. At the time, it provided the initial boost for a small-scale enterprise.
From the First Grant to Business Expansion
A few years ago, Iryna and Anna from Poltava Oblast received their first micro grant through the AGRIS project. At the time, it provided the initial boost for a small-scale enterprise. The women were producing and selling surplus agricultural products from their households, quickly identified steady demand, and gradually expanded their operations.
This year, they returned as participants in AGRIS 3. Iryna invested the business grant funding in a meat processing facility, while Anna purchased agricultural equipment for fodder production. In the small village where they live, every local enterprise represents an opportunity not only to support a family’s livelihood but also to provide fellow community members with quality local products available close to home.
Veteran-Owned Businesses Gain New Opportunities for Growth
In Khmelnytskyi Oblast, veteran Vitalii Yurchuk is developing a greenhouse enterprise focused on vegetable and seedling production. He used his business grant to purchase a tractor. Veteran and former prisoner of war Volodymyr Repiuk invested the grant in a greenhouse heating system and continues to expand the production of cucumbers and seedlings.
Behind each of these stories stands our comprehensive support, enabling people to rebuild their livelihoods, remain and work in rural communities, provide for their families, and contribute to the sustainable economic development of their communities.
50 Agricultural Entrepreneurs Receive Business Grants Through AGRIS 3
Through the AGRIS 3 project, we provided business grants this year to 24 participants in Poltava Oblast and 26 participants in Khmelnytskyi Oblast. In Poltava Oblast, grants were primarily invested in crop production, livestock farming, and dairy and meat processing. In Khmelnytskyi Oblast, support focused mainly on greenhouse farming and related equipment.
Monitoring Visits and Ongoing Participant Support
Representatives of Caritas Ukraine – National Project Manager Yaroslav Kyrylenko and Project Management Officer Viktoriia Kharchenko – together with colleagues from local organisations, conducted monitoring visits to project participants. We maintain regular communication with them and provide support throughout every stage of their business development. During these visits, we confirmed that partner funding is being used appropriately, responsibly, and effectively.
The meetings focused not only on achievements but also on future plans. Many agricultural entrepreneurs noted the value of receiving an external perspective from someone able to assess their business with fresh eyes and help identify new opportunities for growth. Therefore, the next phase of the project will include mentoring sessions tailored to participants’ specific needs and requests.
“It is truly encouraging to see participants return to new phases of AGRIS. For some, the project marked the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, and today they are already expanding their businesses. Others are sharing their experience with fellow participants. Over the years, AGRIS has fostered a strong community of mutual support, where people help one another grow and discover new opportunities,” Yaroslav concluded.
About AGRIS 3
AGRIS 3 contributes to the recovery of small-scale farming households and livelihoods, strengthens food security, and reduces dependence on humanitarian assistance in rural communities. In Khmelnytskyi Oblast, particular attention is given to women-headed households.
The #AGRIS3 project in Poltava Oblast is implemented by Caritas Poltava in partnership with Caritas Ukraine, with financial support from Caritas Österreich and NACHBAR IN NOT.
The #AGRIS3 project in Khmelnytskyi Oblast is implemented by Caritas Khmelnytskyi UGCC in partnership with Caritas Ukraine, with financial support from The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (Development and Peace – Caritas Canada).