Ukraine’s agricultural sector in recent years has become a symbol of resilience that impresses the world. Even under martial law, farmers are not only surviving but also upgrading machinery and adopting modern technologies. Insights on how the sector maintains its course toward the EU and where growth opportunities lie through 2030 were shared by Olena Dunina, Finance Lead at Corteva Agriscience Ukraine, during the «BLACK SEA GRAIN.KYIV-2026».
Betting on Ukraine: $15 Million Investment
Corteva Agriscience has clearly defined its stance. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the company has fully exited the markets of Russia and Belarus, focusing instead on Ukraine. “For us, Ukraine is one of the strategic hubs in Europe,” said Olena Dunina. The company has confirmed plans to invest $15 mln in modernizing seed production in the Poltava region.
Notably, corn, sunflower, and rapeseed seeds produced by Ukrainian farmers have been actively exported to EU countries since 2022, demonstrating compliance with high European standards.
Not Just Recovery, but Build Back Better
The principle of build back better is gaining traction — rebuilding not just to restore, but to improve. This means creating a modern, sustainable, and inclusive system. Private investments are currently flowing into logistics, processing, and autonomous energy generation, which are particularly relevant under current conditions.
Soil Health: How to Restore Land After War
One of the most pressing challenges is the condition of agricultural land. Demining and soil restoration are critical. To support farmers, Corteva Agriscience has launched the Soil Tests program, which helps detect war-related contamination and assess whether land is safe for planting, as well as how to restore productivity.
Path to the EU
Why is foreign capital still willing to invest in Ukraine? The answer lies in European integration.
“When Ukrainian legislation becomes transparent and aligned with European standards, investors feel more confident,” Dunina noted. Ongoing reforms are making the market increasingly attractive for global investors.
Ukraine’s agricultural sector is no longer just a raw material supplier. Through innovation, international support, and farmers’ willingness to adopt new technologies, the country is evolving into a key technological hub contributing to global food security.
