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In the context of a full-scale war, the issues of economic recovery and support for local communities have become particularly important for Ukraine. One response to these challenges has been the emergence of local initiatives that combine a partnership-based approach, international support, and active community participation. This is exactly the story of the experience of the Public Union “Association of Craft Winemakers of the Black Sea Region”, headed by Georgy Molchanov.
“For us, the Roots of Peace project is not just another initiative, but a logical continuation of many years of cooperation with international partners. We began with the demining of agricultural lands together with the non-profit organization Roots of Peace from California. This was followed by a restoration program with the participation of Rotary International, and today we are working in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Even in times of war, this consistent support has made it possible not only to return land to cultivation, but also to revive vineyards and orchards in Mykolaiv Oblast. We are not stopping there: our next step is to create a cluster together with all partners and scientific institutions, where knowledge, experience, and resources will be combined for the development of the entire region. Through such partnerships, we see that true community recovery is not only about technology or funding, but about people, land, and a shared belief in the future,” emphasizes the head of the Association, Georgy Molchanov.
The Association operates in southern Ukraine, supporting small winegrowers and winemakers, fostering cooperation, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices. Its activities focus not only on the production of craft products, but also on restoring the economic potential of communities affected by the war.
An important stage in this process was the implementation of the project “Roots of Peace: Mechanization for the Growth and Sustainability of the Farmers’ Cooperative”, carried out in the Radsadivska community of Mykolaiv Oblast. The project was implemented within the framework of the Enhanced Partnership for Sustainable Recovery initiative, led by UNDP in Ukraine with financial support from the Government of Sweden through Sida, in cooperation with the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration and local authorities.
“When we first arrived at the demined fields, it was obvious that without modern equipment, farmers simply would not be able to cultivate the land effectively. Mechanization became a key factor in restoring production,” explains Georgy. After part of the agricultural land had been demined, the community faced a new challenge: the lack of modern equipment needed for the efficient cultivation of vineyards and orchards. The Roots of Peace project aimed to address this issue by strengthening the production capacity of the farmers’ cooperative.
As part of the project, the cooperative received a garden tractor with attachments, including a sprayer, mulcher-mower, and soil milling machine. In addition, cooperative members received training in the safe and effective operation of the equipment. This enabled the cultivation of more than 10 hectares of vineyards and orchards, increased labor productivity, and ensured the timely completion of agricultural work.
“It was important for us not only to provide the equipment, but also to teach people how to use it safely and effectively. Investments in knowledge always have a greater impact than equipment alone,” adds Georgy. The project also included an important social component: women, veterans, and internally displaced people were involved in training and work, contributing to expanded economic opportunities for vulnerable groups and strengthening social cohesion within the community.
Today, the activities of the Association of Craft Winemakers of the Black Sea Region serve as an example of how partnerships between civil society organizations, local authorities, and international donors can generate long-term solutions for regional recovery. The Roots of Peace project demonstrates that investments in equipment, knowledge, and people form the foundation of sustainable development and can be replicated in other communities across Ukraine.
“Our task is to show that even in wartime, it is possible to build a sustainable local economy. This is a story about people, land, and partnership,” concludes Georgy Molchanov.
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26.02.2026
08.02.2026
