They say a crisis sows the seeds of opportunity. This is especially true in today’s Ukraine, where the ongoing conflict with Russia has catapulted an enduring sense of national pride among Ukrainians into a juggernaut of action. As they work to throw off the aggression, Ukrainians are also focused on securing their country’s rightful place as a global economic leader. Government and private entities have torn down old barriers to finance and investment for farmers and agri-investors, while the executive and legislative branches work to open land markets. Together, these forces are altering lingering Soviet-era beliefs that say farming is peasant’s work, and, increasingly, they are steering youth toward careers in agri-business in a country famously known as Europe’s breadbasket.

Understanding that the lifeblood of any country is its youth, in 2017, the Ukrainian Agrarian Council (UAC) launched the Ukrainian Agrarian Lyceum in Uman, Cherkasy Oblast. The first educational facility of its kind, the lyceum currently has 80 students in grades 10-11, where students learn about agrarian systems and the leadership skills needed to manage them.

“Whereas most Ukrainian schools are focused on teaching traditional subjects,” says recent graduate, Anna Stepaniuk, “this lyceum allows us to reinforce our own identities, build self-confidence, and learn skills that will grow our futures.”      

Seeking to inspire even more middle and high school students to opt for careers in science, business, and agri-technology, USAID’s Agriculture and Rural Development Support (ARDS) activity partnered with the lyceum and the UAC to develop the Future Farmers of Ukraine (FFU). Modeled closely after the 92-year old Future Farmers of America (FFA), FFU seeks out and supports gifted students from around the country, including from the conflict-affected Donbas region. 

“We have already established 10 FFU chapters in 10 communities,” says Olena Kryvoviaz, a current lyceum student from Donetsk. “All the chapters are currently active and attracting youth to professions in agriculture. Ukraine has great soil, great climate, and great conditions. This program makes me very proud of my country.” 

During the spring of 2019, USAID sponsored 13 students and teachers to participate in a 10-day study tour at the University of Missouri, in the United States. The first event they attended was the annual FFA convention in Columbia, Missouri. 

“There were more than 8,000 students,” explained Olena Yaroshynska, lyceum Principal and FFU National Coordinator. “Our students witnessed the great pride American students have in their country and its agricultural future.” 

The delegation also visited Missouri high schools, where courses in agriculture supplement the traditional curriculum. During their two-day home stays, the FFU students helped on farms and visited farm equipment dealers. The study tour stimulated new ideas in them on how to build FFU’s influence back home, such as bringing professors to Ukraine, conducting additional FFU study tours, drafting a FFU development strategy, and planning a FFU convention in Ukraine in 2020.

“Ukraine faces a shortage of qualified agri-workers,” says Principal Yaroshynska. “Investing time, effort, and money in our youth will boost the agriculture industry. Agriculture, the economy, and education are all connected and -- thanks to USAID -- are all receiving support.”