The project will involve the transport of 500 tonnes of certified seed potatoes to Ukraine. FAO Ukraine will distribute these seed potatoes to 10,000 highly vulnerable small-holder farmers in rural areas at the frontline in eastern and southern Ukraine.

The supply is enough for 50 kilos of seed potatoes per farmer.

The seed potatoes have been grown in the Netherlands and France by growers for Irish company IPM Potato Ltd.

Announcing the funding support, Minister McConalogue highlighted shared similarities between Ireland and Ukraine, “particularly the huge importance agriculture has, both economical and socially.