From 8–11 October 2025, 22 representatives of agricultural cooperatives and rural stakeholders from Chernihiv region took part in a study tour to Lviv, Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk regions in Western Ukraine. The initiative was organized under the Empower AgriWomen project by Swisscontact in partnership with the Cooperative Academy and supported by regional partners in Chernihiv oblast.
The tour aimed to exchange experiences and explore successful models of agricultural cooperation that help farmers improve production, access markets, and strengthen resilience in the context of war.
The program began in Lviv with a roundtable discussion involving the Cooperative Academy, Rural Women Business Network, and representatives of local agricultural authorities.
Participants discussed:
A training session followed, focusing on cooperative principles and marketing approaches tailored to member-focused business models. It helped participants reconsider how cooperatives can build stronger value chains and partnerships.
In Luhove village, participants visited the central milk collection facility of Pokrova — one of the most active dairy cooperatives in Lviv region and a co-founder of a modern dairy processing plant.
Key learning points:
A community-level discussion demonstrated how cooperation supports rural development and keeps families engaged in agriculture.
The visit to Faina Poliana showcased how a cooperative can become a strong market player with export potential. At cooling facilities, participants learned how proper post-harvest handling and logistics significantly increase profits for small producers.
In Ivano-Frankivsk region, the group visited Opilski Olii, a family-run business combining craft oil production, bakery, and rural tourism. Their model proved that cooperation and diversification help small enterprises grow faster and more sustainably.
In Horodok community, the partucipants of the study tour visited Fermerska Rodyna — a cooperative uniting producers of dairy, honey, and nuts. Farmers presented innovations such as:
Participants also met with owners of a relocated beekeeping farm — entrepreneurs who moved their business from a war-affected area. Their story highlighted resilience and how cooperative membership helps rebuild operations through shared resources and customer networks.
The visits clearly demonstrated how cooperation improves access to customers, stimulates creativity, and opens opportunities for women-led enterprises.
Throughout the tour, participants engaged in discussions with cooperative leaders about governance, internal communication, financial stability, and marketing. They observed how trust, shared responsibility, and member involvement are the foundation of successful cooperatives.
The key conclusion: when farmers unite, they produce more than food — they create sustainable livelihoods and stronger communities.
The Empower AgriWomen project remains committed to supporting rural families in building resilient, market-oriented cooperation — ensuring that Ukrainian agriculture develops even in the most challenging conditions.