Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC), in his speech on the “We are Ukraine” TV channel, emphasized the need to expand state support for the agricultural sector and protect farmers who found themselves in the temporarily occupied territories.

One of the key support mechanisms for the agricultural sector is the 5-7-9 state preferential loans program which continues to help farmers stay ‘afloat’.

“However, the current credit limit of UAH 90 million for one enterprise no longer corresponds to the reality. Inflation and depletion of resources make this amount insufficient. Increasing the credit limit to UAH 150 million would be a significant support for the agro-industrial complex today,” emphasized the UAC Deputy Chairman.

In addition, he drew attention to the difficult situation of farmers who were forced to leave their businesses in the temporarily occupied territories.

“These people showed patriotism by leaving the occupied territories, but today they are left with nothing. Despite this fact, banks continue to demand repayment of loans taken out before the war. These loans need to be postponed for wartime so that farmers can feel supported and protected,” emphasized Denys Marchuk.

A draft law that provides for the suspending of such loans has already been prepared and is supported by the relevant ministry.

“So far, the parliament lacks the political will to adopt the draft law No. 11180-1. That is why farmers from the occupied territories remain “hostages” of banks, which have made more than UAH 78 billion in profits during this time. And these are people with extensive experience in the agricultural sector - they need to be given the opportunity to create new businesses and jobs,” summarized Denys Marchuk.