As part of an initiative by the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) aimed at advancing agricultural education and fostering dialogue with young people, Ivan Chaikivskyi, founder of Agroprodservice and Member of the Ukrainian Parliament, met with students of Uman National University. During the event, he shared his professional experience, vision for the development of the agricultural sector, and thoughts on the role of young people in shaping the industry's future.

Modern agriculture is undergoing rapid transformation and requires a new generation of professionals capable of working with innovative technologies.

"Today, agriculture is all about high technology. It encompasses precision farming, modern machinery, and digital solutions that require deep knowledge and continuous learning. It is no longer possible to simply enter the profession and work ‘the old way’ — proper training and an understanding of modern processes are essential. That is why education has become a key factor for success in agriculture. Those who invest in their knowledge today will shape the market tomorrow," Ivan Chaikivskyi emphasized.

During the meeting, he also highlighted the importance of combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience and encouraged students to seek internships and employment opportunities while still studying.

"The theory you gain at university is the foundation. However, real understanding comes in the field, at production sites, and in real-life conditions. Do not postpone gaining this experience — look for practical opportunities now. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, because professional growth comes through learning from them," he noted.

Ivan Chaikivskyi also spoke about the development of Agroprodservice, which began with a relatively small land bank and numerous challenges. Through consistent effort, public trust, and a strategic approach, the company has grown into one of Ukraine’s leading agricultural producers, currently cultivating more than 40,000 hectares of land in the Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.

"Over the past few years, we have invested heavily in modernizing our machinery fleet, recently purchasing equipment worth tens of millions of dollars. We are implementing precision farming technologies, actively developing livestock production, and applying organic fertilizers across significant areas every year, which results in additional yield growth. I would like to share some specific figures to demonstrate the potential of modern agriculture: last year, some farms in our region achieved wheat yields of 11.5 tonnes per hectare and corn yields of up to 17.5 tonnes per hectare on fields where organic fertilizers are systematically applied. This is not a coincidence but the result of proper technology and a well-structured production approach. It demonstrates the high level of development and opportunities that the agricultural sector offers today," the company founder said.

The meeting was held in the format of an open dialogue, allowing students to ask questions about career development and current trends in agricultural production. Participants noted the practical value of such communication and the importance of direct interaction with business leaders.

It is worth noting that the UAC, together with the educational methodology center SvitOsvit, has launched the educational course AgroSphere. The program is already being taught in more than 200 educational institutions across 19 regions of Ukraine and currently reaches around 4,000 students. AgroSphere helps schoolchildren understand how modern agriculture works and discover development opportunities within their local communities.

Agribusinesses, local communities, and educators are actively participating in the initiative.

The UAC is currently working to expand the program. In the next academic year, AgroSphere is expected to be introduced in 500 educational institutions, engaging more than 15,000 students.