Accessible Precision Farming: How Ukrainian Farmers Can Embrace Technology with Minimal Costs

The profitability of agribusiness today depends not only on yields but also on the efficiency of resource use. Precision farming proves that innovation allows farmers to reduce costs while increasing profitability. Yet for many farms, the main barrier remains the cost of technology and the fear of large investments.

The solution lies in the right financial models. State-supported loans, leasing, online installment plans, and grants make it possible to implement innovations gradually, without overburdening the budget. In this article, we’ll review the most accessible tools, including examples of FRENDT’s partnership programs.

1. Bank Financing: FRENDT + OTP Bank

In cooperation with OTP Bank, we have launched a financing program for purchasing the ARA sprayer by Ecorobotix – an AI-based technology that can reduce pesticide use by up to 95%, lower emissions, and ensure compliance with EU environmental standards.

Financing conditions:

• Loan term up to 5 years
• 7% annual interest rate in UAH (may be reduced to 5% when creating new jobs)
• Compatible with the “Affordable Loans 5-7-9%” state program
• No one-time commission or mandatory collateral insurance for the farmer
• 10% cashback from the EBRD

The program is available to agricultural producers with at least three seasons of experience and a land bank of 200+ hectares. This is a solution for those focused on long-term investments.

2. Online Installment Plan: FRENDT + WEAGRO

To access technology quickly – without collateral or lengthy bank procedures – we offer an online installment plan through WEAGRO.

Benefits for farmers:

• Decision within 30 minutes
• Fully digital process, no office visits
• Up to UAH 5 million for a term of up to 270 days
• No collateral or currency risks
• Transparent, fixed payment schedule

Farmers simply sign the contract, receive the equipment, and pay from future harvest income. It’s an ideal tool for fast decisions and seasonal needs.

3. Equipment Leasing: FRENDT + ESKA Capital

Another flexible option is leasing through ESKA Capital — a practical solution for those looking to upgrade their machinery fleet gradually without heavy upfront costs.

Advantages of leasing:

• Minimal initial financial burden
• Use the equipment today with future ownership rights
• Payment schedules adapted to seasonal income
• Simplified paperwork, free from bureaucracy

Leasing is the “golden mean” between a loan and a short-term installment plan – an ideal format for medium-sized farms.

4. Grants and International Programs

Grant financing has become one of the most powerful development tools for agribusiness – especially for those who want to modernize without taking on debt. These are funds that do not need to be repaid, provided the farm meets program requirements and demonstrates effective use of funds.

The most relevant sources of grant support today include:

• GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Germany)
  Funds projects aimed at improving energy efficiency, developing agricultural value chains, and implementing digital technologies in farming. GIZ programs often focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, providing access to modern tools and training.
• Horizon Europe
  The EU’s research and innovation program that supports projects in digitalization, AI applications, precision agriculture, green technologies, and the development of agroecosystems.
• EIT Food (European Institute of Innovation and Technology)
  Provides funding for innovative food and agricultural projects – from new crop nutrition approaches to reducing food waste.
• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)
  Regularly launches grant and sub-grant programs supporting small and medium-sized farmers in Ukraine – from purchasing equipment and seeds to adopting precision farming practices.
• EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development)
  Beyond cashback in partner programs (such as with OTP Bank), EBRD provides grant and technical assistance to enterprises implementing innovations and green technologies.
• IFC (International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group)
  Runs programs that fund productivity improvement, energy-efficient solutions, and sustainable farming technologies.
• EU4Business (EU + EBRD)
  Provides grants to SMEs, including agricultural ones, for business digitalization, market expansion, and innovation implementation.
• Rebuild Ukraine Facility
  Offers targeted grants for farmers and processing enterprises modernizing production, integrating renewable energy, or rebuilding infrastructure after destruction.
• EU Regional Programs (Cross-Border Cooperation / Interreg)
  Support agribusiness innovation, smart technologies, and sustainable farming practices.
• Ukrainian State Grant Programs
  Focused on horticulture, greenhouses, processing, and innovation, these programs aim to create jobs and support export-oriented growth.
• Post-War Recovery Funds for Ukraine
  Provide financing for restoring agricultural infrastructure, modernizing equipment, and implementing eco-projects for regional recovery.

How to Prepare a Successful Grant Application

To receive a grant, a farm must be well-prepared:

• Business plan: a clear document with financial calculations, yield forecasts, and a description of planned innovations.
• Transparent growth model: donors fund only farms that show a clear and realistic development path.
• Alignment with program priorities: for instance, GIZ focuses on energy efficiency, while Horizon Europe prioritizes digitalization and innovation.
• Readiness for reporting: all expenses must be transparent and properly documented.
• Social and environmental impact: the more benefits a project brings to communities and the environment, the higher its chances of funding.
• Strong team: donors fund not just ideas, but the people who can bring them to life – with defined roles and responsibilities.
• Relevance of initiatives: apply only for grants that address real needs of the farm, not for every available opportunity.
• Step-by-step implementation plan: a clear roadmap from equipment purchase and staff training to technology integration and performance monitoring.

The key advantage of this tool is non-repayable funding – that’s why grants are among the most strategic and attractive options for Ukrainian farmers seeking to adopt precision farming, expand production, and enter new markets.

Today, Ukrainian farmers have a unique opportunity to combine innovative technologies with flexible financial instruments. This approach transforms precision farming from a one-time investment into a gradual transformation process.

The main advantage is choice – every farmer can find the best entry model based on their size, resources, and strategic goals.

At the same time, the rise of partnership programs and grant support takes Ukraine’s agribusiness to a new level – one where technology becomes accessible, and development is predictable and sustainable.

Precision farming is no longer just a trend – it’s the new standard of modern agribusiness, defining its competitiveness for the future.