Ukraine: Agrarian associations merge into Ukrainian Agrarian Forum
According to a press release of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB), the founders of the new union include the Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation, Agrarian Union of Ukraine, Ukrainian Agrarian Council and Ukrainian Association of Rural and Village Councils.
"The Ukrainian Agrarian Forum has been registered as a legal entity. This is the nongovernmental union uniting five agrarian associations. It is open for joining new members. We will protect the common position of farmers in work with parliamentarians and government members, draw up bills and propose amendments to the legislative base. We are ready to knock on all doors and protect if we are not heard," Director of the Ukrainian Agrarian Forum Maria Didukh said.
In the near future, the UAF will sign a memorandum with the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada on the development and reform of the agrarian sector, which will consolidate the directions of development of the agro-industrial complex, in particular, positions on state support, factors of production, price regulation and other things.
The first item in the document is the introduction of changes to the national budget 2018 and the Tax Code. In particular, the agrarians will demand to cancel the amendment abolishing VAT refunds for the export of oilseeds. In addition, farmers will insist on maintaining subsidies at the level of at least UAH 4 billion.
According to the founders of the UAF, the memorandum will serve as a tool to protect businesses from the adoption by parliamentarians of laws and requirements harmful for its activities.
In addition, the UAF plans to become an associate member of Copa Cogeca, an association of unions of farmers and agricultural cooperatives of the EU, which is the most powerful representative of the interests of European farmers. The UAF members are sure that Ukraine's participation in this organization will help to implement the requirements of European standards and approaches to production in Ukraine.
Read more at www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl