Development of agri-food industry in Ukraine during war: Volia Agri-Food Park Vinnytsia experience

On September 26–27, industrial leaders, government representatives, members of international business organizations, and professional associations gathered at the Vinnytsia Industrial Forum to discuss the industrial growth of Ukraine amid the war. Volia Agri-Food Park Vinnytsia, dedicated to advancing Ukraine's agri-food industry, was a key partner. Located in Vinnytsia, the park offers modern, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly infrastructure for food businesses and related industries.

The park recently secured state funding of UAH 116 million ($2.8 million) under the Made in Ukraine initiative. This investment will not only enhance its infrastructure but also increase its appeal to companies seeking to relocate food production from frontline areas and expand export opportunities.

"I view industrial parks as growth points for Ukraine's economy and an effective tool for its reindustrialization. These parks offer new infrastructure built with cutting-edge energy-saving and efficiency technologies, alongside incentives and support from both the state and international financial organizations, offering opportunities and long-term prospects. With the challenges of financial and labor shortages, turning all of Ukraine into a priority development zone is difficult, but industrial parks, which concentrate resources and opportunities, can serve as growth platforms.

Many Ukrainian enterprises are rebuilt or modernized Soviet-era factories. The only way to develop them is by creating competitive products for export. Building in the industrial park allows companies to predict the final product's cost using modern technologies, automation, and reduced energy costs. The HD-Group agri-food platform is carefully considering building several plants in the industrial park. This isn't just relocation but the creation of entirely new products to meet the growing needs of modern consumers. This includes innovations in functional food, extended shelf life, organic-based products, and other projects.

In response to the decline in domestic consumption, the development of the HD Group's new companies is focused primarily on expanding exports. All of our production planning is based on a balanced approach, with a proportional allocation between domestic needs and exports," said Borys Shestopalov, co-founder of HD-Group, ideologist of Volia Agri-Food Park Vinnytsia, and a speaker at the Vinnytsia Industrial Forum.