Ukrainian farmers could double spring rapeseed area in 2027

Ukraine is expected to significantly expand its spring rapeseed area for the 2027 harvest amid growing interest among farmers in oilseed crops. While spring rapeseed plantings typically cover up to 100 thsd hectares, the area could reach 200 thsd hectares next season. This forecast was presented by Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Taras Vysotskyi.

According to Oleksii Tartakivskyi, an analyst at Phoenix Agro, seed distributors have reported unusually strong demand for spring rapeseed seed in recent weeks. This indicates that agricultural producers intend to reconsider their planting structure in favor of crops that could provide higher profitability amid limited financial resources.

The main trend of the 2027 planting campaign could be a reduction in grain crop area and an expansion of oilseed plantings. According to Tartakivskyi, rapeseed and soybeans have the strongest growth prospects, as they remain more economically attractive to producers. Meanwhile, corn could see the largest reduction in area among grain crops due to high production costs and export logistics challenges.

Sunflower also remains a potential priority for farmers, although its profitability has declined significantly this season due to falling purchase prices. Average sunflower production costs are estimated at UAH 15–16 thsd/t, limiting profit opportunities at current domestic prices. However, prices could recover by spring, while export shipments to Bulgaria and Turkey remain more attractive than sales on the domestic market.

Overall, farmers’ decisions on spring planting will depend on access to working capital, production costs and export opportunities. Amid financial constraints, producers are increasingly focusing on crops with more favorable production economics. As a result, spring rapeseed, alongside soybeans, could become one of the main drivers of planted area expansion in 2027.

Tags: Ukraine, soybean, rapeseed, sown area