ГРАНТИ ПРОГРАМИ USAID ДЛЯ БІЗНЕСУ ЗЕРНОВОГО НАПРЯМКУ В ЗБІЛЬШЕННІ ПОТУЖНОСТЕЙ ЗБЕРІГАННЯ ТА СУШІННЯ ЗЕРНА В УМОВАХ ВІЙНИ

Abstract

The article examines in detail the USAID Program for Agrarian and Rural Development (AGRO) in the direction of "Supporting MSMEs in the grain sector in increasing grain storage and drying capacities" in wartime conditions. The study demonstrates the goals and priorities of the Program, namely: to expand opportunities for grain processing enterprises to increase the number of small and medium-sized producers who benefit from improved services. Emphasis was placed on the fact that the goal of the AGRO Program initiative is to increase the capacity and power of economic entities that provide MSMEs with drying, storage and processing of grain and technical crops. It was established that a distinctive feature of the program is its budget of 270 million UAH, which is planned to be distributed between 10-15 projects, and the amount of grant funding for one project can be from 18,000,000 to 36,000,000. These funds can be directed to cover such costs: purchase of grain processing, drying and storage equipment; purchase of laboratory equipment for determining quality indicators of grain. The expected results of the activities of the grantees have been demonstrated, namely: approximately 70 small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) should receive additional services related to finishing, drying or storage of grain, these services should be expanded by at least 20 thousand tons annually, and/or provided services of grain drying for at least 50,000 tons annually, at least 50% of the total volume of grain processing, drying or storage services will be provided to MSMEs that cultivate (rent) land plots with an area of less than 500 hectares. The research revealed the specifics, as well as features of participation in the grant competition. A number of recommendations have been developed for applicant organizations, the consideration of which will contribute to obtaining grant funding, namely: it is necessary to provide specific data and arguments to strengthen your conclusion, you should ensure a high degree of specificity and confirmation of your statements to strengthen your position in the competition, budget planning should demonstrate a high level transparency and financial responsibility, activities should actively contribute to the creation of equal opportunities and social integration for all categories of the population.