Ukraine is capable of becoming a key supplier of soybeans to the EU

Ukraine can become a key supplier of soybeans to the European Union due to its large production volumes and readiness to comply with new requirements. This was discussed during a panel discussion in the European Parliament, said Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Taras Vysotsky.

He noted that there is a significant protein deficit in the EU – powerful livestock farming creates a consistently high demand for protein feed. Its own soybean production is about 3 million tons, while the total need exceeds 35 million tons. Ukraine produces about 6 million tons of soybeans annually, and a significant part of this volume is supplied to the EU. That is, Ukraine has already become a serious player in this market. The soybean sector is a clear example of integration into the European market: it is not only about exports, but also about processing, certification and compliance with standards.

“Ukrainian soybean is not just about large volumes. It is a strategic presence on the European market: high productivity, the ability to work according to new environmental rules and meet strict EU standards. Our agricultural sector is already effectively integrated into the European system and at the same time is changing its role quite rapidly – from a supplier of raw materials to a participant in value-added chains. It is not just about exports. The logic of production is changing: processing volumes are increasing, processes are becoming more transparent, and quality is higher,” Taras Vysotsky emphasized.

Today, about 25% of Ukrainian soybeans produced without the use of GMOs meet certified EU standards. This means that structural changes are taking place at the farm level. Farmers are restructuring their approaches – introducing modern technologies and updating practices.

At the same time, Ukraine, as a strategic partner of the EU, has other obvious advantages: geographical proximity, lower logistics costs, significant production potential and strong positions in the “GMO-free” segment. It is this area that is of greatest interest to European consumers and is beneficial for Ukrainian producers, as it allows for added value.

At the same time, serious challenges remain. First of all, there are EU regulatory requirements that significantly complicate trade. This includes, in particular, the EUDR, a regulation that requires proof that products are not linked to deforestation. For exporters, this means detailed traceability: the origin of each batch must be confirmed down to a specific plot of land.

The RED III directive, which regulates the use of raw materials for biofuels, also establishes sustainability criteria and introduces restrictions for crops that can cause indirect land use change (ILUC). Soybeans are planned to be included in this category. This means a large number of documents and inspections, digital tracking of products, additional costs for certification. For small and medium-sized producers who do not have the resources to adapt quickly, this will be extremely difficult to implement.

“The EU must act now and form a clear strategy for plant proteins. Ukraine is ready to be part of this process,” concluded Taras Vysotsky.

Tags: Ukraine, export, EU, soybean