Background 

What does inclusion look like in a time of war? For Kernel, it means care, dignity and opportunity for those who served.

Kernel is Ukraine’s largest grain producer and exporter, a global leader in sunflower oil and a vital supplier of agricultural products to over 70 countries. When war reached its operating regions in 2014, and escalated in 2022, Kernel faced immense human and organisational challenges. Four of its 11 regions were partially occupied, more than 1,000 employees (10% of the workforce) joined the Ukrainian Defence Forces, 124 were injured and 63 lost their lives.

Recognising that the return to civilian life can be as difficult as military service itself, Kernel launched a comprehensive Veterans Adaptation Programme. The initiative supports veterans and their families through every stage, from mobilisation to rehabilitation and reintegration, while embedding inclusivity and respect for service across the company’s culture.

The programme’s goal was twofold: to ensure the long-term wellbeing and employability of veterans and to strengthen social cohesion by modelling inclusion in one of Ukraine’s most important industries.

Approach 

Kernel’s programme combines practical support, psychological care and inclusive employment opportunities, guided by three principles: continuous support, adaptation and social integration.

The company provides financial aid, health services and constant communication to more users. Rehabilitation and retraining are integral: 39 veterans and 55 family members have completed rehabilitation and 25 roles have been specifically adapted for those with disabilities.

“Kernel’s Veterans Adaptation Programme proves that real inclusion means standing beside people for the long term”

Psychological recovery is supported through diagnostics, therapy, self-regulation training and supervisor meetings. Dedicated Telegram groups for veterans and their families foster community and peer support, complemented by in-person gatherings and family events.

Kernel’s partnership with SuperHumans, a leading Ukrainian centre for prosthetics and rehabilitation, extends opportunities for training, internships and employment in agribusiness. Four veterans have featured in national campaigns promoting agriculture as a career path for returning service members.

The company also invests in education and awareness for all employees – more than 10,000 people trained in respectful communication and inclusion– using workshops, webinars and even theatre performances to promote empathy and understanding.

Outcome

To date 126 veterans have returned to work at Kernel, supported by more than 500 colleagues. Hospital visits have been made to 500 wounded veterans and 50,000 people have been reached through the programme’s initiatives across 11 regions. Staff turnover among veterans is just 20%, far below the national average of 30%.

Kernel’s sustained focus has strengthened trust, unity and purpose across its workforce. Veterans report improved confidence and economic stability while colleagues describe a more compassionate and inclusive culture.

Through its long-term, human-centred approach, Kernel has set a benchmark for inclusive employment in wartime and beyond, proving that true resilience is built on care, dignity and shared responsibility.

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