Evidence-based policy making is crucial for informed decision-making in agriculture, ensuring policies are grounded in reliable evidence rather than opinions or anecdotal evidence. Key characteristics include a systematic approach, rigorous evidence evaluation, transparency, integration of multiple perspectives, and continuous learning. By using evidence as a foundation, policymakers can make more objective decisions that lead to positive outcomes.

In the context of a country at war, evidence-based policy analysis holds particular benefits. It helps assure food security, economic stability, natural resource management, and infrastructure rebuilding. Understanding the impacts of conflict on agriculture and food production allows for informed decision-making to mitigate food shortages and support economic recovery.

Furthermore, for countries entering EU enlargement negotiations, evidence-based decision making in agriculture is crucial for aligning national policies with EU standards and regulations, ensuring compliance with the acquis communautaire. It enables candidate countries to demonstrate their readiness to meet the requirements of EU membership, fostering trust and credibility among EU member states and institutions. By embracing evidence-based approaches, these countries can strengthen their agricultural sectors, enhance their competitiveness in the European market, and accelerate the accession process, ultimately paving the way for sustainable growth and development within the European Union.

In this project, we aim to develop a strategy for the Ministry of Agricultural and Food Policy of Ukraine to implement evidence-based policy making. Steps include a review of practices in countries with developed agricultural markets, an assessment of Ukrainian legislation and existing evidence-based practices, and the preparation of proposals for improving evidence use by relevant public bodies. This initiative has the potential to enhance decision-making processes in Ukrainian agriculture, contributing to stability and resilience amidst conflict.

Materials:

Presentation: Evidence based policy for MAPF 

Report: Evidence based policy for MAPF