The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is considering an equity investment of up to USD 15.9 million in ED&F Man Ukraine Investments BV, to acquire a minority stake in the company and finance the purchase and installation of sugar beet processing equipment, the bank's press office has reported.

The report notes that the aim of the project is the "demonstration of modern and efficient farming technologies and methods in the south of Ukraine, which should result in increase of productivity and yield improvements of agricultural crops across the region and country as a whole."

In addition, it is planned to set standards in terms of energy efficiency and product quality and safety by using modern production technology and by obtaining food safety certifications.

The total project cost is USD 69 million.

Ukrinform