Agricultural businesses in Vinnytsia region are increasingly contributing to the development of modern education in local communities. One such example is the experience of Vinnytsia-based farmer and member of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC), Pavlo Marushchak, who supported the implementation of the “AGROsphere” course in educational institutions within his community.

On his initiative and with the support of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC), the Association of Milk Producers (AMP), the Association “Pig Farmers of Ukraine” (AFU), and the educational methodological center SvitOsvit, the course is already being implemented at the Ustia Lyceum, Bershad Lyceum, and the Velykokyriivka Gymnasium. As part of the implementation, teachers were trained, schools were provided with educational materials, and special emphasis was placed on practical learning and career guidance for students.

According to Pavlo Marushchak, the decision to support “AGROsphere” was deliberate and strategic.

“I realized that this is important both for the community and for my enterprise. It is important for us to show young people how modern agriculture works and that they can build their future in Ukraine,” the farmer said.

The “AGROsphere” course introduces students not only to the fundamentals of agriculture but also to the role of the agricultural sector in the national economy, GDP formation, technological development, and innovation. Special attention is given to modern professions that are shaping today’s agricultural sector.

According to Pavlo Marushchak, at the beginning of the course students had many questions about its content and practical value. However, this quickly changed after the start of practical training.

“For the second year in a row, students have been implementing their own projects: working with plants as part of genetics studies, learning to plan budgets, and understanding economic principles and how to generate income,” he noted.

Students are particularly interested in learning about real working conditions at agricultural enterprises. They are shown how professions in agriculture are evolving, with traditional roles being complemented by new ones — including operators of autopilot systems, and specialists in analytics and digital technologies.

“Today, working in agriculture is not just about the field or tractors. It is about technology, IT solutions, and modern management,” the farmer emphasized.

In addition, students grow vegetables using modern technologies, develop elements of landscape design, and gain a better understanding of career opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Background:

The Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) has announced the expansion of the “AGROsphere” educational course in the 2026/2027 academic year. The course is planned to be implemented in 500 communities and schools across Ukraine, engaging more than 15,000 students in learning about the modern agricultural sector and career opportunities.

The “AGROsphere” course has been implemented for six years with the support of the educational methodological center SvitOsvit, based on a dedicated textbook and teaching materials. It provides students with a modern understanding of agriculture — from agrotechnologies and digital solutions to processing, logistics, and sustainable development.

Between 2022 and 2025, more than 5,000 students successfully completed the course. In the 2025–2026 academic year, “AGROsphere” is being implemented in 200 educational institutions across 19 regions of Ukraine, reaching around 4,000 students. Currently, the course implementation is supported by 30 farmers — members of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC).