Ukraine explains the path to the European Union to farmers

The Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Agrarian and Land Policy emphasized that in the agricultural sector, since 2022, Ukraine's progress in implementing the overall plan of Euro-integration goals has increased from 63% to 74%. At the same time, in the field of food security, veterinary and phytosanitary policy, the level of implementation has already reached 83%.

Currently, in particular, Ukraine has opened the land market, created a Partial Credit Guarantee Fund for farmers, and adopted important draft laws. In addition, Ukrainian farmers and companies are implementing European standards for seed certification, animal identification, and meat labeling. The state and business are working on adapting legislation in the field of food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy in accordance with EU standards.

Currently, Ukrainian farmers are expected to use the State Agrarian Register for all support programs, open a Sustainable Farm Data Network, harmonize legislation on plant health, GMOs and their official control, complete the adaptation of animal welfare standards in accordance with EU requirements, and expand the use of the TRACES veterinary and phytosanitary certification platform. Ukraine also expects to reform the food safety control bodies and introduce European standards for animal registration and monitoring.

It should be considered that Ukraine will join the European Union earlier than in 2030, but the integration process will be difficult due to the powerful Ukrainian agricultural sector, in which European farmers see a threat to the market. According to the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, the agricultural sector is a lifeline for the Ukrainian economy, as it accounts for 60% of exports, and Ukraine is currently a key supplier of food worldwide. According to Interfax-Ukraine, the diplomat stressed that agriculture will always be one of the three most important sectors, along with energy and defense, that will dominate the Ukrainian economy. She recalled that when Spain and Portugal joined the European Union, French and Italian winemakers thought it was a disaster and they would never be able to compete. When Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia joined the EU, there was talk of plumbers and truck drivers, there were demonstrations against it, but the EU stood its ground.

According to Katarina Mathernova, the integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector into the EU will be a subject of delicate discussion. This will be a sensitive moment, because "the country's potential is such that it threatens insiders when an outsider has such values and strength." After all, the level at which Ukrainian agriculture is located causes concern among European farmers, although after a series of negotiations and protests, the issue may be resolved. The Ambassador also stressed that the agricultural sector remains a key sector of the Ukrainian economy, as it provides 60% of the country's exports and is an important player in the global food market. Despite the serious challenges posed by the war and the blockade of the Black Sea, the agricultural sector continues to function thanks to the support of international partners. She also noted that agriculture, along with energy and defense, will determine Ukraine's economic potential in the future.