Ukraine could help the EU reduce its dependence on soybeans from the US and Brazil

The European Union plans to increase domestic production of soybeans and other protein crops to reduce the livestock sector’s dependence on imports from the United States and Brazil. At the same time, the European Commission sees Ukraine as one of the key partners for diversifying feed supplies and strengthening the bloc’s food security.

Under the new strategy, the share of EU-grown oilseeds and protein crops used in animal feed is expected to increase from 25% in 2025 to 35% by 2035. The initiative aims to reduce supply chain risks and make the European livestock sector less vulnerable to disruptions in global markets.

The European Commission also plans to diversify imports by expanding trade with Ukraine, which already benefits from preferential access to the EU market and has entered the first stage of accession negotiations. Ukrainian agricultural products are expected to play an increasingly important role in complementing the EU’s domestic production of protein crops.

The strategy also calls for using trade agreements to strengthen European agriculture while maintaining EU food safety standards. It focuses on supporting farmers and the livestock sector, which generates around €400 billion in annual turnover and provides employment for about 7 million people across the bloc.

At the same time, the EU continues to pursue more sustainable agricultural production. The strategy includes emissions monitoring and improved animal welfare measures, including a gradual phase-out of cage systems for chickens and pigs.