Corteva develops seed production and innovation in Ukraine

Despite the full-scale war, Ukraine’s agricultural sector continues to develop and consistently move toward European integration, while responsible international business plays a key role in implementing European standards and practices. This view was expressed by Olena Dunina, CFO of the international science and technology agricultural company Corteva Agriscience in Ukraine, the Caucasus and Central Asia, during the panel discussion “Investment in Ukraine’s Agri Sector-2030: Risks and Opportunities” at the international conference BLACK SEA GRAIN.KYIV-2026.

“The Ukrainian agricultural sector has been and remains one of the key pillars of the national economy, an important source of GDP and exports. Even during active hostilities, agricultural producers continue to invest, modernize production and purchase equipment. For Corteva, which previously confirmed its readiness to invest USD 15 million in the development of Ukraine’s agricultural sector, focusing on the modernization and expansion of seed production and deepening cooperation with Ukrainian farmers, Ukraine remains one of the strategically important markets in Europe,” the expert noted. As a responsible international business, the company has fully ceased operations in russia and belarus since the beginning of the full-scale war, focusing its efforts on supporting Ukraine.

In Ukraine, the company has been developing sunflower, corn and rapeseed seed production in the Poltava region for many years, and is also investing in research both at its permanent R&D station and the “Agroprostir” field research platform, launched last year. These investments support technology transfer, implementation of global production standards, and Ukrainian farmers who, despite daily wartime challenges, continue to adopt innovations and invest in modern technologies. Since 2022, Corteva has also been exporting seeds produced in Ukraine to EU countries.

Special attention during the discussion was given to the “build back better” approach — creating more resilient, inclusive and environmentally friendly systems during reconstruction. Private investment is closely linked to the recovery of critical infrastructure, development of autonomous energy systems, logistics and processing capacities. For the agricultural sector, demining and soil restoration remain particularly crucial prerequisites for sustainable development. In 2024, Corteva launched the Soil Tests soil analysis program, which helps farmers identify war-related contamination and make informed decisions on safe land use and productivity recovery.

According to Olena Dunina, Ukraine’s path toward EU membership is already positively influencing the investment climate. Harmonization of legislation with European standards, increased transparency and predictability make the Ukrainian market more understandable for foreign investors. “Ukraine’s consistency in implementing reforms and advancing European integration is crucial for investors. We see an open and constructive dialogue with the government and are ready to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery where our technologies, expertise and partnerships can have the greatest impact — for Ukraine, the region and global food security,” the Corteva CFO concluded.

Tags: Ukraine, seeds, investment, Corteva Agriscience, BLACK SEA GRAIN.KYIV - 2026