Expertise that scales business: Strategic solutions by Credit Agricole at Re:Farm

«Agribusiness Today», 02.03.2026

This year’s Re:Farm conference became a platform for discussing not only technologies, but also the survival and development of agricultural sector in the face of unprecedented challenges. Oksana Makarova, head of Partnership Program Development in Agro Business Support and ESG Department at Credit Agricole, and Ihor Hurzhii, head of Agroexpertise Division, explain why the bank invests in expertise, how more than 70 financing and leasing partnership programs work, and why sustainable development is a driver of profitability.

Credit Agricole at the Re:Farm 2026 conference

To be where the heart of the industry beats

— Oksana, Credit Agricole has traditionally been an active participant of Re:Farm. What is the philosophy behind your presence here, and how has the bank’s role changed over the past year?

Oksana Makarova: For Credit Agricole, Re:Farm conference is a significant event, a platform for exchanging thoughts and innovations. We position ourself as not just a bank, but as a strategic partner for our customers. Agriculture is part of our DNA; the international Group has been working in this sector for 140 years now. Therefore, we want to be in the heart of the events, to feel the heartbeat of the market, hear farmers without intermediaries, and understand the challenges they face today.

“Agriculture is part of our DNA. We want to be where the heart of the industry beats” Oksana Makarova

Our goal today is to be as close as we can. We don’t simply provide resources; we share our expertise. We came to Re:Farm to hear about the “pains” of the agrarians and offer solutions that will help to not only adapt to the challenges, but also to implement a high-quality transformation and growth. In difficult times, it is important to have a partner that understands technological processes as well as the financial indicators.

Oksana Makarova, head of Partnership Program Development in Agro Business Support and ESG Department at Credit Agricole

Precision agriculture: Economics of every hectare

Ihor, you talk with many visitors at the bank’s stand. What is the main request from farmers today regarding equipment and innovations?

Ihor Hurzhii: Today, precision agriculture is not a trendy innovation, but a strategy for operational efficiency. Nowadays, it is the only way to achieve technological transformation and margin increase. When we talk about precision agriculture, we mean the tools that ensure business sustainability, allowing to save resources where there used to be losses.

“Precision agriculture is not a trendy innovation, but a strategy for operational efficiency” Ihor Hurzhii

This is a number-driven business. We see a significant demand for financing high-tech equipment, such as precision seed drill, self-propelled sprayers, and autopilot systems. Why is it important? Because it saves resources – fuel, seeds, and fertilizers. When each seed hits the target according to the task map, the margin per hectare increases. Credit Agricole actively supports this direction, as we finance technologies that begin to pay off in the first season. Our goal is to provide the customer with such financial leverage that innovations become an accessible tool for profit.

Ihor Hurzhii, head of Agroexpertise Division at Credit Agricole

Strength of partnerships: 70+ financing and leasing partnership programs for agribusinesses

You mentioned the accessibility. Which mechanism allows Credit Agricole to make expensive equipment more accessible for small and medium-sized farms?

Ihor Hurzhii: Our major advantage is our extensive network of partnership programs. As of today, we have over 70 partners among manufacturers and dealers of agricultural machinery, seeds, and plant protection products. This is a unique toolkit on the Ukrainian market.

Thanks to the direct cooperation with famous brands, we offer agribusinesses special leasing and lending terms with interest rates that are often significantly lower than market rates. We calculate the pay-off period for equipment, take into account the seasonality of payments, and help scale the business without placing a critical burden on working capital. We speak the same language as farmers and understand that equipment should be working in the field, not sitting idly due to the lack of funding.

Oksana Makarova and Ihor Hurzhii at the Re:Farm 2026 conference

Energy independence and sustainable development: New standard of sustainability

Oksana, at the bank’s stand, significant topic of conversation is sustainable development. For many it remains a theoretical concept. How is it implemented in specific loans?

Oksana Makarova: For Credit Agricole, sustainable development is not a slogan, it is part of our strategy. In practice, this means supporting projects aimed at energy efficiency, soil restoration, and rational use of resources.

We are currently seeing a powerful new trend, which is the demand for energy independence. Farmers want to be self-sufficient, and we are actively providing loans for the installation of solar power plants, biogas plants, and the transition to alternative energy sources. Our expertise allows us to be not just a lender, but also a consultant: we analyze the profitability of such projects together with the customer and help adapt farms to climate change and energy challenges. This is the foundation for a profitable business in the long term.

Credit Agricole Agroteam

Ukrainian agrarians as global leaders in innovations

What are your main conclusions after a day of work at Re:Farm? How do you see the future of the sector?

Oksana Makarova: My main impression remains unchanged: Ukrainian agrarians today are the most progressive people in the world. They are implementing digital solutions, automation, and AI faster than many of their European colleagues. They are incredibly resilient and flexible at the same time.

At Credit Agricole, we must match this level with our speed of decision-making and innovative banking services. We see how digitalization becomes part of a farmer’s everyday work. We believe in victory and that Ukrainian agriculture will continue to be the main driver of the country’s economy.

Ihor Hurzhii: It is important to keep moving forward. The world of agricultural technology is changing rapidly. Every challenge we overcome today is an opportunity to become more efficient tomorrow. Credit Agricole is prepared to walk this path together with its customers, providing not just money, but confidence in growth. When you come to us, you receive complex solutions to scale your successful business.

What advice would you give to farmers who are now facing the choice between investing and waiting?

Oksana Makarova: Time is also a resource. Investing in efficiency is what allows you to be competitive today. Choose reliable partners who understand your business and move forward. Credit Agricole will always be there to support you every step of the way.