The negative effects of Ukrainian exports are exaggerated and have a minimal impact on EU markets.

Ukrainian agricultural products, despite their quality and important role in Europe’s food security, remain hostage to political narratives, believes Oleh Khomenko, head of the UABC. He added that after 2022, Ukrainian farmers faced not only physical difficulties in production and logistics but also political barriers. Khomenko assures European farmers that they should not fear that the Ukrainian agricultural sector will steal EU subsidies away from them, as Ukraine’s farmers have learned to operate without significant governmental support. At the same time, the agribusiness expert is convinced that Ukrainian exports have a minimal impact on EU markets.

“And this must be conveyed to partners,” Khomenko stressed.

According to him, if we analyze European consumption and the share of Ukrainian imports in it, the figures are all below 10%: wheat – 6%, sugar – 3%, poultry meat – 2%, eggs – 1%. Additionally, 80% of the cost of components to grow Ukrainian grain and meat requires importing EU fertilizers, machinery, equipment, and other goods worth €7B annually.