In 2024, Ukraine managed to reduce the burden on the borders of neighboring countries and returned to its historically established logistics routes – 88% of all agricultural products are shipped through Ukrainian ports, stated Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval during a meeting of the Advisory Council on Agriculture and Fisheries (AGRIFISH) in Brussels.
"We are ready to be predictable and honest in our approaches. It is important for us to extend the preferences for agricultural trade beyond June 2025, until the end of the war and the subsequent transitional period. I asked my fellow ministers to support us on this matter," he wrote on Telegram.
Koval reminded the EU agricultural ministers that Ukraine is a significant market for European goods used in agricultural production. For instance, the import component across the entire Ukrainian agri-sector is 61%, or $10 billion. This includes seeds, plant protection products, machinery, and fertilizers. Additionally, imports of finished European products into Ukraine amounted to $6.95 billion.
The minister emphasized that Ukrainian and European farmers operate under conditions of unequal competition – under shelling, with a constant threat of crop destruction, and warehouses without electricity – yet they still ensure food security for Ukraine and other countries in need. Therefore, Ukraine is a partner for Europe, not a threat, Koval stressed.
He also raised the issue of disinformation and urged his fellow ministers to debunk the myths propagated by the enemy in the information space, particularly the notion that Ukrainian products are allegedly flooding European markets, when in reality they comprise only a small fraction of total consumption in Europe.
"I once again thanked our European partners for their support. And I urged everyone to remember that food is about peace, security, and development. Ukraine represents friendship and the strengthening of the EU. I am confident that only together can we achieve more," Koval concluded.