Ukraine could become part of the EU’s strategic “protein” autonomy

Ukraine has the potential to play a leading role in strengthening the European Union’s strategic autonomy in protein supply, particularly by providing non-GM soy.

Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agricultural Policy of Ukraine, Taras Vysotskyi, stated this during the Non-GM Soy Conference 2025 held in Frankfurt. Despite the ongoing war, infrastructure damage, and logistical challenges, Ukrainian farmers continue to invest in soybean production.

Sown area dynamics:
2022 – 1.5 million ha
2023 – 1.8 million ha
2024 – a record 3 million ha
2025 – around 2.4 million ha (forecast), with expected higher yields.

Each year, Ukraine supplies about 3 million tons of soybeans to the EU and continues to expand domestic processing — producing meal, oil, protein concentrates, and lecithin. “These figures show that Ukrainian agriculture remains active, flexible, and competitive even under the most difficult conditions,” Vysotskyi emphasized.

The next stage of development, he said, is expanding the production of plant-based proteins and biofuels, which aligns with the EU’s strategy for decarbonization, emission reduction, and transition to renewable energy. “Ukrainian soy can play a significant role in Europe’s green transition,” the Deputy Minister noted.

The non-GM soy segment has become strategic for Ukraine’s exports. Over the past three years, more than 25% of Ukrainian non-GM soy has been certified under the “Donau Soja” Protein Partnership Program, ensuring verified sustainability, non-GM integrity, and reduced CO₂ emissions. This cooperation demonstrates how regional partnerships strengthen Europe’s protein independence and support sustainable agricultural development.

“Readiness for traceability and sustainable practices is the foundation of trust — the most valuable asset in the European market,” Vysotskyi stressed.

Ukraine can become a reliable and geographically close partner for the EU in ensuring protein security. The European Union aims to reduce dependence on imports from regions with high deforestation risks, while Ukraine has both the resources and expertise to support this goal.

“We are not competitors — we are partners shaping the continent’s food security together,” the Deputy Minister underlined.

He also called for a shift from simple trade relations to shared strategic autonomy in proteins, food, and renewable energy. Ukraine is already deeply integrated into EU supply chains — receiving technologies, seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products, while supplying Europe with soy meal, corn, wheat, and sunflower oil.

“Ukraine is not outside Europe — we are part of it: part of a shared future, shared responsibility, and shared strength,” concluded Taras Vysotskyi.

Tags: EU, soybean, GM, Ukraine