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USDA INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
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June 27, 1996 #30
EXTENSION PROFESSIONALS NEEDED IN UKRAINE
CSREES is planning to implement a project in Ukraine to help meet the
imposing needs of private farmers. Although recently privatized farms
only represent a small percentage of the total, their numbers are
growing quickly and farmers are demonstrating tremendous ingenuity
and entrepreneurship despite the obstacles and lack of instiutional
support.
We are planning to carry out pilot efforts in four oblasts (provinces)
beginning in October, 1996. Two-person teams will be sent to each
oblast for 8-month assignments (mid-October 1996 to mid-June 1997).
Due to the problems that farmers are facing in making a successful
transition to a market economy, we are seeking specialists with
expertise in areas such as agricultural economics, farm management,
marketing, cooperatives and agribusiness development. County-level
personnel with strong agricultural and management backgrounds are
also encouraged to respond.
A project design team that recently visited Ukraine concluded that
focusing our attention on the private farmer associations will achieve
the most short-term impact. Strengthening these associations and
improving their linkages to agricultural universities and institutes, as
well as government agencies, will be a priority.
These will be challenging and difficult assignments. They should also,
however, prove to be extremely rewarding. Home of some of the
richest soil in the world, Ukraine's agricultural potential is enormous.
The future of agriculture will depend in large part on the ability of these
recently privatized farms to succeed. We can play a vital role in
seeing that happen.
Salary and benefits will continue to be paid through the universities for
those selected to work on this project. Travel and in-country costs
such as lodging and per diem will also be covered.
Interested parties should mail or fax a current resume to:
Patty Turney
CSREES/International Programs Office
STOP 2203
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-2203
fax: (202) 690-2355; phone: (202) 720-3801
e-mail: pturney@reeusda.gov