Jordan visits Institute of Agricultural Microbiology and Agro-Industrial Production

Jordan reflects on his recent visit to Chernihiv...

As a guest of the #Chernihiv Regional State Administration, I was privileged to visit the Institute of Agricultural Microbiology and Agro-Industrial Production of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of #Ukraine. Here I was able to meet with scientists of the Institute and officers of the Chernihiv Department of Agro-Industrial Development to discuss the importance of agriculture and scope out potential opportunities for cooperation.

It was fascinating to learn from the Institute’s staff how despite the significant challenges of the war, including damage to their buildings and equipment, they are continuing their pioneering research and work in the diagnosis, rehabilitation and prevention of viral plant diseases, perfecting biological methods of feed preservation, innovating around bio-composting and how their formulas and products are allowing farmers across the world to significantly increase the yield of their crops through the full realisation of their genetic potential.

Whilst in Ukraine, I was able to highlight the significance of Kent’s agricultural output, including the fact that Kent’s farmers produce two thirds of national tree grown fruit and harvest almost a third of all strawberries produced in the UK. In Kent, with 85% of our land classified as rural of which 62% of our land is farmed, there are around 2,700 agricultural holdings across our County, which support around 11,000 local jobs in crop and animal production alone.

We discussed the important role that #LocalGovernment can play in supporting national #FoodSecurity, and how #Agriculture is of vital importance to both the economies of the United Kingdom and Ukraine.

#StandWithUkraine #Intergregional #Kent #KentFarming #Agriculture