Ukraine and EU discuss expanding agricultural exports and supporting farmers

Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotsky and First Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk held an online meeting with European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen.

According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, export logistics was the main topic of discussion. Due to the blockade of the Black Sea and russian attacks on transport infrastructure, alternative routes can handle only about half of the required export volumes, while their capacity is nearly exhausted, the ministry noted. At the same time, simplifying cross-border transport procedures could enable Ukraine to export an additional 1 mln tons of agricultural products per season.

Vysotsky emphasized that Ukraine and its EU partners must work together to find solutions to increase exports and reduce logistics costs.

The parties also discussed the financial situation of Ukrainian farmers, who are facing a shortage of working capital due to high fuel, production, and transportation costs. Some farms are already adjusting their plans, and if the situation does not improve, part of the agricultural land may remain unsown next spring, the ministry warned.

The meeting also addressed international assistance for temporary crop storage, particularly the provision of grain storage bags to farmers.

In addition, the Ukrainian side proposed resuming regular Ukraine–EU agricultural dialogue as early as January 2027. Key priorities would include aligning legislation with European standards, preparing for integration into the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), improving market access, and supporting farmers.

The officials also discussed ensuring stable Ukrainian grain supplies to importers, possible compensation for additional logistics costs, improving export administration for certain products, and holding a high-level agricultural discussion at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2027).

Tags: EU, Ukraine