Millions of UAH for Greenhouses: Ukraine’s ‘Grant for a Greenhouse - Diia’ Programme

Introduction

Ukraine’s agricultural sector is the backbone of the national economy, and the government is doubling down on its support through targeted grant programmes. One of the most compelling opportunities available right now is the ‘Grant for a Greenhouse - Diia’ programme, administered by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. This initiative is designed to help agricultural businesses - from individual entrepreneurs to established legal entities - build or expand modular greenhouses, significantly boosting domestic production and creating new jobs.

In this spotlight, we’ll break down everything you need to know: the funding details, who can apply, how to prepare a strong application, and why this grant might be the perfect fit for your next agribusiness investment.

What Is the Grant for a Greenhouse - Diia?

The Grant for a Greenhouse - Diia is a state programme that provides non-repayable funding for the establishment and development of greenhouse farming in Ukraine. The goal is to increase agricultural output and create sustainable employment, especially in regions that can benefit from protected cropping.

Key details:

• Organiser: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
• Type: Grant (no repayment required)
• Funding range: 2,000,000 to 7,000,000 UAH
• Coverage: Up to 70% of eligible project costs
• Project scale: Construction of modular greenhouses between 0.4 and 2.4 hectares
• Status: Open (rolling application cycle - no fixed deadline)
• Application channel: Diia portal (official e-governance platform)

The funding is substantial, but it is also targeted. It is not a blanket subsidy; you must contribute at least 30% of the total cost from your own resources (or co-financing), and the project must meet specific technical and eligibility criteria.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

The programme is open to:

• Individual entrepreneurs (IEs / FOPs) operating in the greenhouse sector
• Legal entities registered in Ukraine that are active in agricultural production

However, there are important exclusions. You cannot apply if any of the following apply to your business:

• Located or operating in areas of active hostilities or temporarily occupied territories
• Conducting business in the Russian Federation or Belarus
• Under sanctions (Ukrainian or international)
• Classified as a credit or insurance organisation
• Engaged in the production of weapons, alcohol, or tobacco
• Subject to bankruptcy proceedings
• Have a court ruling for corruption offences
• Have outstanding debts to the state budget (tax arrears, etc.)

It is also worth noting that the grant is not available to startups in the classic sense - the target audience is listed as “Startups” and “Other,” but the technical requirements (0.4 ha minimum greenhouse, legal entity or IE status) mean you need an established business structure.

How Much Funding Can You Get?

The grant amount depends on the size of the greenhouse you plan to build:

• Minimum grant: 2,000,000 UAH
• Maximum grant: 7,000,000 UAH

The coverage is up to 70% of the total eligible project cost. That means:

• If your project costs 2.86 million UAH, you could receive 2 million UAH (70%)
• If your project costs 10 million UAH, you could receive 7 million UAH (70%)
• If your project costs more than 10 million UAH, the grant is capped at 7 million UAH, so your co-financing share would increase

Important: The programme is tied to modular greenhouses of a specific size range (0.4 to 2.4 hectares). If your project is smaller or larger, you will likely not qualify.

Application Process via Diia

Applications are submitted exclusively through the Diia portal - Ukraine’s state e-services platform. This means:

• You need a qualified electronic signature (QES) to log in and sign documents
• The process is entirely online
• Because it is rolling, you can apply anytime until the programme is closed or funds are exhausted

While the exact application steps are not detailed in the brief, typical Diia grant applications require:

1. Business registration documents
2. A detailed project plan (greenhouse design, budget, timeline)
3. Proof of co-financing capacity (bank statements, equity, loan pre-approval)
4. Declaration of no debts, no sanctions, no disqualifications
5. Possibly a business feasibility study or job creation projection

Check the official application link (see sources below) for the most up-to-date application form and guidance.

Practical Tips for a Competitive Application

Here are actionable suggestions based on common grant best practices and the programme’s stated goals:

1. Double-check your eligibility

Before investing time in a full application, verify that your location is not in an active hostilities or occupied area, that you have zero tax debt, and that you are not engaged in any prohibited activity. Consult a local accountant or lawyer if needed.

2. Prepare a solid greenhouse project plan

The grant is specifically for modular greenhouses of 0.4-2.4 ha. Your plan should:

• Specify the exact size (e.g., 1.2 ha)
• Include a layout, construction timeline, and cost breakdown
• Demonstrate that at least 70% of costs are eligible (construction, equipment, installation)
• Show how the greenhouse will be used (crop type, expected yield)

3. Secure your co-financing

You need at least 30% of total project costs from your own funds or a loan. Get a confirmation letter from your bank or have cash reserves ready to show.

4. Emphasise job creation

The Ministry of Economy wants to create jobs. Explicitly state how many permanent and seasonal positions the greenhouse will support. A target of 3-5 permanent jobs per 0.4 ha is a reasonable benchmark.

5. Check for additional local support

Some oblast administrations or regional development agencies offer co-financing or technical assistance for greenhouse projects. Combining sources may reduce your out-of-pocket share.

6. Apply early

Even without a fixed deadline, grants can be oversubscribed. Submitting early shows preparedness and avoids last-minute technical issues.

Why This Grant Matters for Ukraine’s Agriculture

Greenhouse farming is a strategic priority for Ukraine for several reasons:

• Food security: Protected cultivation ensures year-round supply of vegetables and herbs
• Export potential: High-quality greenhouse produce can target EU markets
• Job creation: Each hectare of greenhouse can support 5-10 direct jobs, plus logistics and inputs
• Energy efficiency: Modern modular greenhouses can integrate energy-saving technologies (e.g., LED lighting, heat pumps)

By offering grants of up to 7 million UAH, the government is making a serious investment in modernising the sector. For a medium-sized FOP or legal entity, this could cover the majority of a new greenhouse build, dramatically reducing the payback period.

How GrantGunner Helps You

GrantGunner is your one-stop platform for discovering and applying for grants like this one. We track thousands of opportunities from governments, foundations, and corporations - and we make it easy to find the ones that match your business.

With GrantGunner, you can:

• Search for grants by sector, amount, and location
• Save your favourites and get reminders
• Access official application links and eligibility checklists
• Track your applications and deadlines

Ready to explore the Grant for a Greenhouse - Diia? Login or create your GrantGunner account today, and start your application on the Diia portal.

Conclusion

The Grant for a Greenhouse - Diia is a rare, substantial funding opportunity for Ukrainian agricultural businesses. With up to 7 million UAH available per project and a rolling application process, there is no reason to delay. Prepare your greenhouse plan, secure your co-financing, and submit through Diia as soon as possible.

Remember: the eligibility rules are strict, so read the official programme details carefully. And if you have questions, consult the Ministry of Economy’s hotline or a grant consultant on GrantGunner.

Good luck, and may your greenhouse harvest be bountiful!