YEUFRAS Training Launched in Ukraine

"I was genuinely delighted to see the motivation and engagement of the young Ukrainian advisors during the learning process. Despite the difficult situation in the country, they were very curious and actively participated in practical tasks. I particularly appreciated their desire to continue learning and improving their professional skills. Their openness to new ideas and readiness to share experiences created a very positive and inspiring learning atmosphere."

(K. Žēpere)

From August 17th to 20th, two interactive, in-person CECRA seminars for agricultural advisors took place in Lviv, Ukraine, aiming to strengthen the communication, negotiation, and moderation skills of young Ukrainian agricultural advisors.

The training was held within the framework of the Erasmus+ project "YOUNG EUFRAS Training Program 2026–27". During the project's implementation, young advisors from across Europe are trained in advisory methodologies, with the 20-day training course culminating in the award of the CECRA certificate.

The National Association of Agricultural Advisory Services of Ukraine (NAAAS) has long been an active member of EUFRAS. Its chairman, Ivan Pankiv, had the opportunity to attend a CECRA seminar organized by Young EUFRAS seven years ago, and since then, the interest of Ukrainian agricultural advisors in continuing education in advisory methods has only grown.

On this occasion as well, they showed a genuine desire to participate in the training. However, since their travel capabilities are restricted due to the war, the decision was made to hold the in-person training sessions locally in Ukraine. A part of the group had already completed field visits and attended the IALB / EUFRAS / SEASN conference in Radenci, Slovenia, in June 2026.

Ivan Pankiv from the Lviv Agricultural Advisory Service and Maksym Maksymov from the Dnipro Agricultural Advisory Service brought a total of 14 young colleagues to the training.

The international advisory methodology training team consisted of four trainers: Kristīne Žēpere from Latvian Rural advisory and training center in Latvia, Uwe Gottwald, and Pablo and Nelli Asensio from the Bavarian State Academy in Germany.

The training program itself was developed based on the principles of the CECRA (Certificate for European Consultants in Rural Areas) training system. Over the course of four days, participants honed various soft skills, with special attention paid to practical methods—such as negotiation exercises—that advisors can apply in their daily work with farmers. A key highlight was applying the skills acquired through practical advisory exercises, discussions, and case studies at a real local family farm. It was wonderful to see that well-functioning family farms capable of competing with European farms exist in Ukraine once again. It became clear that the role of advisory services in supporting these farms is crucial.

The trainer team was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism, engagement, and broad professional experience of the Ukrainian YEUFRAS training group. The participants worked with great motivation and dedication.

A post-training survey confirmed that the methods learned in modules CECRA 02 "Communication in Advisory Work" and CECRA 09 "Moderation" were new to the advisors, requiring further practice and time to apply in their work. Participants also highlighted that this is a significant step toward strengthening a professional, high-quality advisory system in Ukraine. It demonstrated that professional advising is not merely about transferring knowledge—it is also the ability to listen, ask the right questions, foster dialogue, and help farmers find the best solutions themselves.

It was decided to hold two more in-person seminars in Ukraine in the spring of 2027, concluding the training cycle with the attainment of the CECRA certificate.

Trainers Kristīne Žēpere and Pablo Asensio

Training process

From left to right: EUFRAS CECRA trainers Kristīne Žēpere, Pablo Asensio and Uwe Gottwald presenting advisory models and lead an interactive session on how to structure a dialogue between advisers and farmers

Ivan Pankiv opens the first CECRA training session in Ukraine at the premises of his Rural Advisory Service in Lviv.

The YEUFRAS Ukraine 2026 Training Group during the practical on-farm training

Trainers Uwe Gottwald and Nelli Asencio