The Role of Ukraine's Agricultural Sector in Achieving Climate Neutrality: Summary of Online Discussion
Ukraine's agricultural sector, which is not only a key sector of the economy and the foundation of the country's food security, but also plays a crucial role in the global market, faces the challenge of climate change risks and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of global efforts to achieve climate neutrality. This complex but extremely relevant topic became the epicenter of discussion at the online event "The Role of the Agricultural Sector in Achieving Climate Neutrality," organized by DiXi Group in collaboration with the governments of Britain and Ukraine.
Opening the event, Ihor Vishtak, Director of the Agricultural Development Department at the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, outlined the strategic importance of the agricultural sector amid current challenges. He emphasized that "Agriculture is not only food security, it is enormous potential for green changes and contribution to Ukraine's climate goals," highlighting the dual role of the industry in the national economy and global efforts to combat climate change.
Continuing this thought in the context of national climate commitments, Andrii Kitura, Development Director at DiXi Group and Head of the Green Transition Office, presented key approaches to developing a national carbon budget based on sectoral studies of greenhouse gas emission reduction potential. His presentation outlined the Green Transition Office's plans to analyze the decarbonization potential of Ukraine's key economic sectors, emphasizing the practical value of sectoral studies for defining state climate goals.
To view the presentation, click on the image below."
The expert emphasized: "Our goal is to give the Ukrainian government the opportunity to build better policy based on data and modern scientific research to achieve common climate goals". He also noted that detailed results of their two-hundred-page study for the agricultural sector will be available on the website for broad review and further proposals, as openness is one of the fundamental principles for the Green Transition Office's work.
Diving deeper into specific practices, Mykola Shlapak, General Manager of Advisory Services at DiXi Group, provided detailed information about emission reduction opportunities in the agricultural sector. He presented a comprehensive analysis of greenhouse gas emission sources in agriculture and technologies that would reduce the carbon footprint of agricultural products, as well as increase opportunities for using renewable energy sources. "Implementation of minimal soil cultivation technologies (no-till, mini-till, strip-till), use of cover crops and organic fertilizers not only allows for emission reductions, but also improves soil quality, enables better moisture retention and enhances the resilience and efficiency of agricultural producers in the long term. Improving the efficiency of mineral fertilizer use and energy utilization of crop residues also opens economic advantages through cost savings or creating new sources of financial income," the expert explained. A detailed study on this issue is available at the link: Завантажити (pdf)
To view the presentation, click on the image below.
Valuable international experience that can serve as a guide for Ukraine was presented by Ola Altero, Head of Secretariat of the Swedish Climate Policy Council, and Stina Jansson, Senior Analyst of the same secretariat. Ola Altero revealed Sweden's comprehensive approach to green transition in agriculture, noting: "Our success in the green transition of agriculture is based on the synergy of government policy, scientific research, and active participation of farmers. We have proven that sustainable agriculture can be profitable and competitive".
To view the presentation, click on the image below.
Moving to aspects of financial support, Vasyl Hovgera, Lead Expert in Corporate Consulting at EBRD, revealed details of the bank's new strategy for the agricultural sector. He emphasized: "The environmental dimension is one of the key priorities of our new Food and Agribusiness Strategy 2025. We will actively invest in projects that promote decarbonization of the agricultural sector and its adaptation to climate change, and we will support the implementation of climate corporate governance by our clients, opening new horizons for investments in green technologies".
To view the presentation, click on the image below.
From the perspective of Ukrainian agribusiness, Maksym Hopka, analyst at the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB), outlined his priorities in implementing climate technologies. He emphasized the pragmatic approach of producers: "Business seeks solutions that not only reduce emissions but also bring economic benefits. It is important that climate technologies be accessible, effective, and supported by the state for their widespread implementation".
To view the presentation, click on the image below.
The potential of bioenergy as one of the specific directions of decarbonization was presented by Georgiy Geletukha, Chairman of the Board of the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine. He focused on the possibilities of scaling up the energy use of crop residues and other agricultural raw materials and emphasized: "Bioenergy from agricultural raw materials is a double benefit: reducing dependence on fossil fuels and additional income for farmers. We see enormous potential in straw, corn stalks and other residues for heat and electricity production".
To view the presentation, click on the image below.
Summarizing the intensive discussion, Andrii Kitura, as one of the organizers, noted the significant interest in the topic, which brought together a wide circle of specialists.
The event moderator, leading researcher at the Institute of Economics and Forecasting of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Oleksandr Diachuk, thanked the participants for their productive work: "We see that the discussion was deep and provided valuable insights for further policy and strategy formation towards climate neutrality and decarbonization of the agricultural sector. Consolidated efforts of government, business, science and international partners are critically important for progress".
The event confirmed that the path to climate neutrality is complex, but the agricultural sector can play a key role in making this long-term goal realistic. The results of the Green Transition Office study are available at the links below for a wide range of stakeholders, contributing to further work on this strategic direction: Завантажити (pdf)
You can watch the event recording at the link https://youtu.be/oDU8iUHWr08
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