Ukraine has identified key changes required for the integration of the agricultural sector into the EU

Ukraine has identified key areas for adapting its agricultural sector to operate within the EU single market. The main priorities include shifting from a predominantly raw commodity export model toward higher value-added production, improving competitiveness and bringing agricultural production into line with EU requirements. These issues were discussed during the presentation of a study on the future of Ukraine’s agri-food sector.

One of the key priorities will be preparing Ukraine to participate in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This will require establishing and strengthening the institutional capacity of a Paying Agency responsible for administering support to agricultural producers. At the same time, Ukraine is already piloting the FSDN and AKIS digital and information systems.

Adapting to EU rules will require significant investment from Ukrainian agribusinesses. According to Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Denys Bashlyk, investment will be needed to comply with new requirements covering animal welfare, the use of plant protection products and nitrate legislation. Small and medium-sized farms could be particularly vulnerable during the transition period.

Another important element of EU integration will be broader participation of farmers in European agricultural knowledge and data collection systems. AKIS is expected to provide producers with access to modern technologies, knowledge and EU practices, while FSDN will collect economic and production data at individual farm level to support the development of agricultural policy and support mechanisms.

Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi said European integration is one of the key priorities for the long-term development of Ukraine’s agricultural sector. Successful transformation will require cooperation between the government, businesses, industry associations and international partners, while Ukraine should not only adopt European practices but also offer its own solutions for the development of the common agricultural market.

Tags: Ukraine, EU, agricultural sector, integration