Zelenskyy urges Ukrainian farmers to expand processing for more profitable exports

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the agricultural sector to increase the processing of agricultural products to export higher-value goods. He made the statement during a meeting with Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi, government officials and representatives of agricultural businesses.

The main challenges for exports of grains, oilseeds and processed products remain the security of maritime shipments and the stability of alternative corridors. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is holding talks with Middle Eastern countries, Turkey, Egypt and other partners on reopening ports and ensuring safe transportation.

The meeting also addressed opportunities to increase overland exports, priority rail transportation for certain agricultural products, cargo insurance and the protection of export routes. Particular attention was given to restoring road infrastructure and improving agricultural logistics routes.

Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi reported on the expansion of support programs for agricultural producers, which took effect last month. Following the meeting, the president instructed the relevant ministries to address the issues raised by industry representatives as quickly as possible.

The Ukrainian Agrarian Council proposed temporarily suspending business inspections during the export crisis, extending preferential lending for farmers under the “5–7–9%” program through 2028 and revising the rules for state portfolio guarantees. In particular, farmers are asking that producers not be denied access to new financing because of short-term payment delays caused by port blockades and delayed revenues.

Tags: agricultural products, Ukraine, grain, oilseeds