Grain and oilseed planting areas in Ukraine will be equalized

Grain production in Ukraine has declined significantly after a record harvest in MY 2021/22. This trend may continue in the coming season, which could further reduce the share of Ukraine’s exports.

Reuters writes about this with reference to the forecast of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

It is noted that the production of major grain crops – corn, barley, wheat – in 2024/25 was one of the lowest in the last 10 years, decreasing by 34% compared to the 2021/22 season due to a decrease in area. Against this background, oilseeds remain attractive for Ukrainian farmers, as sunflower, soybeans, and rapeseed have much higher profitability potential than grains.

Analysts note that the total acreage of the three oilseeds reached a record high in the 2023/24 season and continued to hold it in the current season, increasing by more than 30% over the past decade due to a strong domestic processing network and high external demand for products.

The USDA believes that the rapeseed area is likely to decline in 2025/26 due to harsh fall planting conditions. The outlook for soybeans and sunflower is ambiguous, but the area of oilseeds should remain stable.

Experts reminded that until 2022, the area under oilseeds in Ukraine was much smaller than the area under grains, but in 2025/26 these figures may be equalized, reflecting the commitment of farmers to oilseeds.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, oilseeds, sown area