System 28 - Fighting Ukrainian Food Insecurity

Using food as a weapon is a war crime.

Russia has destroyed food warehouses, granaries, agricultural production facilities, and farmlands. The war has displaced rural residents and pulled smallholder farmers into combat.

This destruction and the drain of farming talent reduced Ukraine's capacity to produce and distribute food, leading to an increased risk of poverty and malnutrition.

40%

Reduction in front-line agricultural
production

$69.8B

Foregone revenue of agricultural producers

3 in 4

Average number of understaffed businesses

Smallholder farms produce 90% of all
fruits and vegetables consumed in
Ukraine. Yet, these farms are significantly
under-resourced; 5-10% of the largest
agricultural enterprises receive 70% of all
agricultural funding.

In addition, 80% of
farms are operated and managed by men,
but the male rural population faces
military call-ups.

Shifting Roles

American Civil War

By taking over men's farm duties, women plowed fields and harvested crops, their labor preventing widespread famine and economic collapse at home.

World War I

To address farm labor shortages in the UK and US, the Women's Land Army trained inexperienced city women for deployment to rural areas.

World War II

The UK revived its Women's Land Army, while US women farmed for the "Food for Freedom" campaign, feeding both soldiers and civilians.

The Vietnam War

With men away at war, women in North Vietnam took primary responsibility for the nation's entire agricultural production and all local manufacturing.

Rwanda's Recovery

After the genocide, Rwandan women became the population majority and were instrumental in the nation's remarkable economic and social recovery.

Korean War

On Jeju Island, the legendary haenyeo (female divers) became the main breadwinners for their families. They harvested seafood from the ocean floor.

Iran-Iraq War

Encouraged by the government, Iranian women supported the war economy by filling labor shortages on farms and working in the nation's factories.

Eritrean Independence

Women were one-third of EPLF fighters, integrated and working alongside men as mechanics, doctors, farmers, and various other factory workers.

Women will drive the Ukrainian recovery.

The new generation of farmers needs to be trained and empowered.

Historically, involving women in agricultural programs enhances food security in post-war nations.

System 28 aims to increase the supply of agricultural workers through training programs and apprenticeships targeting displaced rural women in Western and Central Ukraine. Apart from expanding the talent pool, the programs will ensure future readiness to comply with the European Union’s productivity and sustainability goals.

Our training programs foster economic independence, challenge traditional gender roles, and cultivate leadership skills both within agriculture and society at large.

By providing a skilled workforce to professional farms and agroholding, System 28 contributes to increased productivity and revitalization of the agricultural sector, ultimately strengthening Ukraine's food security and economic stability.

The Hands-on Approach

Operations

Necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate and maintain farm machinery, including tractors, implements, and precision agriculture technology.

Management

Training in financial planning and analysis, crop production and management, human resources, and sustainable farming practices.

Agronomy

Science of crop production, covering soil management, plant nutrition, pest control, and sustainable farming practices to optimize crop yield and quality.

Marketing

Training in business and marketing to maximize the farm profits and compete with international producers in the digital age..

Training should be a collaborative process that combines scientific knowledge with practical experience. Practical exper ience, skills development, mentorship and guidance f rom seasoned farmers

Our Process

Step 1
Selection

Based on the motivation and future goals, driven by the needs assessment conducted newly demined regions.

Step 2
Theory

Providing knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the food system and adapt to its evolution.

Step 3
Hands On

Applying scientific knowledge and industry-specific skills to real-world farming situations.

Step 4
Practice

Paid immersion in the daily
operations of a farm.

Step 5
Career

An opportunity to work at one
of the rural hubs operated by
System 28.

Step 6
Train

Job security via an opportunity
to train future participants at the training hub.

Empowering Ukrainian Agricultural Recovery

The Hands-on Approach

Training should be a collaborative process that combines scientific knowledge with practical experience. Practical exper ience, skills development, mentorship and guidance f rom seasoned farmers

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