The formula for distributing subsidies to agricultural producers in 2018 will be changed, and a restriction on granting state support to one producer not exceeding UAH 150 million per year will be imposed.

"The government has already identified main areas of state support for the agricultural sector in 2018, and today we are actively working to form procedures for the use of funds," the Agricultural Policy and Food Ministry reported, citing First Deputy Minister Maksym Martyniuk.

According to a statement released by the ministry on Friday, October 13, the draft state budget for 2018 provides for the allocation of UAH 2 billion for a subsidy program for the development of agricultural producers and stimulation of agricultural production.

"The budget subsidy for UAH 2 billion will be improved by changing the formula for accrual of funds and limiting the provision of support to one producer - no more than UAH 150 million," the report says.

According to the ministry, as part of the program to support the development of farms for UAH 1 billion 50% of this amount will be received by cooperatives and the other half by family farmers, classical farmers and those who want to become a farmer for the first time.

Under the farm support program, assistance will be provided for such areas as cultivation of niche crops, berries, horticulture, vegetable growing, livestock, and bioenergy.

In 2018, financial support (UAH 2 billion) is to be provided for the construction and reconstruction of livestock complexes in order to stimulate an increase in the number of animals and, as a result, contribute to the stabilization of meat prices.

In 2018, it is also planned to launch a program to improve genetics in animal husbandry (UAH 300 million), in particular, in three main areas, particularly beef and dairy cattle breeding and pig production.

As reported, the draft state budget for 2018 foresees the allocation of UAH 7.3 billion to support agriculture, of which UAH 2 billion will be provided for the subsidy program, UAH 2.3 billion for the program to support the livestock sector, UAH 1 billion for 20% compensation for the cost of Ukrainian agricultural machinery, and UAH 1 billion for the farming support program and other programs.

The state program of support for agriculture in 2017 provides for subsidies in the amount of UAH 4 billion to support livestock, milk production, horticulture, viticulture, vegetable growing and other activities.

The budget for 2017 also provides for the allocation of funds to the program to compensate credit rates for farmers in the amount of UAH 300 million, UAH 65 million for loans to farmers, UAH 170 million for livestock support, UAH 75 million for the development of hop-growing, for the establishment of new gardens, vineyards, UAH 550 million for cheapening of agricultural machinery, UAH 287.8 million for other programs.