German-Ukrainian Agricultural Delegation Explores EU Crop Production at DLG Feldtage field exhibition

Posted On: June 25, 2026
Posted By: Richmond Frimpong
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At the DLG Feldtage in Bernburg-Strenzfeld, Germany, in June 2026, a delegation from the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD UA) participated in a technical information visit to examine current developments in crop production, emerging technologies, and the impact of European regulation, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s EU accession process.

The program for the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD UA) delegation was organized by DLG Markets, the exhibition arm of the German Agricultural Society (DLG), a non-profit society that aims to promote knowledge sharing for farmers. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH), the APD UA was set up to support the modernization of Ukraine’s agricultural sector and its integration into the European Union.

A key highlight of the delegation visit to the DLG Feldtage event was the panel discussion titled “Plant Protection and Fertilization under EU Requirements – Opportunities and Concerns from German and Ukrainian Perspectives”, which attracted strong interest and a large professional audience. Discussions focused on EU regulatory frameworks in crop protection and the ongoing challenge of balancing competitiveness with environmental sustainability. Particular attention was given to the implications for Ukraine as it continues its path toward EU integration.

The session was moderated by Dr. Olga Trofimtseva, Team leader of APD Ukraine and former Deputy Minister for European Integration of Ukraine together with Frederik Tipp, Head of international cooperation projects, DLG Markets. Panelists included Wilfried Misslbeck, representing German agricultural practice; Pavlo Davydiuk, Farmer, Felix Agro GmbH and Vladyslav Sedyk, Advisor to the Director General, Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB); and Dr. Bernd Rodemann, Deputy Head of the Institute for Plant Protection at the Julius Kühn Institute. Perspectives from practice, science and policy highlighted the complexity of reconciling environmental requirements, farm-level realities and economic competitiveness.

“EU integration is not only about tariffs, but about standards. For Ukrainian farmers—especially in plant protection—this is a real challenge. But it is not optional, it is a necessity: those who adapt secure long-term access to the European market, and timing is critical to be prepared, ” said Dr. Olga Trofimtseva, Team leader of APD Ukraine and former Deputy Minister for European Integration of Ukraine.

The program was complemented by expert exchanges with the DLG technical committees on crop protection as well as plant nutrition and fertilization, where current assessments of regulatory, agronomic and production-related developments were discussed. In addition, discussions with the German Crop Protection, Pest Control and Fertilizer Association (IVA) provided the delegation with insights into current EU regulatory developments and their implications for agricultural practice and innovation.

Farm visits in the surrounding area at operations in the fertile plains of the Magdeburg Börde region further added a practical dimension to the program, offering insights into agricultural operations in Löbnitz and Könnern, Saxony-Anhalt. Participants explored concrete approaches in crop production, plant protection, fertilization and farm management under real operating conditions.

The exchange builds on a broader series of activities within the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue aimed at strengthening cooperation between Germany and Ukraine across the entire agri-food value chain. Earlier in 2026, DLG Markets convened the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Entrepreneurs Forum in Frankfurt, bringing together stakeholders from industry, policy and finance to promote concrete partnerships and investment opportunities. The forum highlighted both the resilience and innovation capacity of Ukraine’s agricultural sector and the importance of direct exchange in advancing EU integration in a practical and mutually beneficial way.

With its activities, the APD Ukraine, implemented by an international consortium including DLG Markets, supports the modernization of Ukraine’s agricultural sector and facilitates dialogue between policymakers, industry and agricultural practice. The DLG contributes its international network and technical expertise, creating platforms for knowledge exchange and cooperation that make the process of EU integration tangible and actionable.

The DLG is the organizer of DLG Feldtage outdoor field exhibition held 16-18 June 2026 in Bernburg, Germany. The event hosted more than 350 exhibitors and 13,000 visitors.

Media Contact
Malene Conlong
International Communications
+49 69 24788-237
m.conlong(at)dlg.org

Guido Oppenhäuser
Head of Communication and Marketing
+49 69 24788-213
[email protected]

DLG. Progress and sustainability in the agriculture and food industry
The DLG (German Agricultural Society), founded in 1885 by Max Eyth, stands for productivity and sustainability in innovation-driven improvements in agriculture and the food chain. The aim of the DLG is to promote progress through the transfer of knowledge – especially with regard to technology and quality control. Non-profit, politically independent and with an international network, the DLG has more than 30,000 members worldwide.
As one of the leading organizations in its sector, the DLG not only organizes trade fairs and events in the fields of agriculture and food technology but also tests food, agricultural technology and equipment. With its competence centers for agriculture and food, its demonstration farm where practical trials take place along with its numerous publications, the DLG continually promotes independent knowledge transfer. In addition, the DLG works on numerous national and international committees of experts to develop solutions for the challenges facing agriculture and the food industry.

www.dlg.org

The Cooperative Force in Action: Implications of Socodevi’s 2026 Conference for Cooperative Development in Ghana

Posted On: June 30, 2026
Posted By: Richmond Frimpong

The recent Socodevi 2026 Conference, held on June 12 at Hôtel Le Bonne Entente in Québec City under the theme “The Cooperative Force: Joining Forces to Multiply Impact,” sends a strong message about the growing relevance of cooperative enterprises as vehicles for sustainable development. According to the conference report, Socodevi highlighted the achievements of its 34 projects worldwide, which collectively reached approximately 4.6 million people during the year. The gathering brought together member institutions, administrators, donors, partners, and stakeholders to review progress and strengthen collaboration. For Ghana, where cooperative development remains central to agricultural transformation, rural livelihoods, and local economic growth, the conference has significant implications. Reinforcing the Importance of Cooperative Models The theme of the conference emphasizes the power of collective action. In Ghana, cooperatives continue to play a crucial role in sectors such as cocoa, shea, cashew, fisheries, credit unions, and agribusiness. Socodevi’s reaffirmation of the cooperative model demonstrates that sustainable development is most effective when producers, communities, financial institutions, and development partners work together. The conference highlights a global recognition that cooperatives are not merely social organizations but viable economic enterprises capable of generating wealth, creating jobs, and improving resilience among vulnerable populations. Strengthening Agricultural Value Chains Socodevi has been actively involved in Ghana through projects such as PROCED in the Upper East Region, TogetHER in the Ashanti and Western North regions, and other initiatives that focus on cooperative governance, entrepreneurship, women’s economic empowerment, and agricultural development. The conference outcomes suggest that future interventions in Ghana will likely continue to prioritize professionalization of farmer organizations, improved cooperative governance, business-oriented management systems, market access enhancement, financial inclusion, climate resilience and risk management For Ghana’s cocoa sector in particular, these priorities are critical. As the industry faces challenges including climate change, aging farms, low productivity, and sustainability requirements, stronger cooperatives can serve as platforms for farmer training, access to finance, crop insurance, and certification schemes. Increased Opportunities for Development Partnerships The conference brought together donors and strategic partners from across the world. This demonstrates Socodevi’s ability to mobilize international support for cooperative development. For Ghana, this presents opportunities for: new development financing, technical assistance, knowledge transfer, innovation partnerships and South-South cooperation Local cooperatives and farmer-based organizations can benefit from exposure to international best practices and access to global networks that may otherwise be unavailable.