The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the Government of Flanders (a region of Belgium), launched a $1 million project to support rural communities in Mykolaiv region, the FAO press service reported.

"For farming families in Mykolaiv region, returning to agriculture is not just a matter of seeds and tools. They also face damaged soils and disrupted water supply systems," noted Shakhnoza Muminova, head of the FAO office in Ukraine.

According to the release, the initiative will reach 550 households and small farmers whose operations have been affected by military action, the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, and soil pollution. As part of the project, 500 vulnerable families, including IDPs and female-headed households, will receive vegetable and potato seeds. Another 50 small farmers will be provided with greenhouse kits, micro-irrigation systems, and vouchers for agricultural needs. Training on climate-smart farming is also planned.

A separate focus of the program will be support for the government's working group on soil damage assessment. FAO will assist in developing methodologies for identifying contamination and recommendations for the safe return of land to use.

"Flanders is proud to contribute to practical solutions that will help rural communities restore production, rehabilitate war-torn lands, and strengthen sustainable agricultural and food systems. This partnership also reflects Flanders' broader Eastern Strategy, through which we support Ukraine's recovery," noted Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele.

The project is being implemented within the framework of the FAO Emergency Response and Early Recovery Plan for Ukraine for 2026-2028.