Challenges in Ukrainian agriculture and opportunities in EU-Ukraine cooperation were discussed at one of the largest and most important exhibitions of agricultural and food products in Eastern Europe – Karlsboerse. It took place in Prague city on April 12 and 13.

First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi together with the Ministers of the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland, Moldova, Slovakia and other countries, as well as representatives of leading European agricultural companies took part in an information event and panel discussion and told about the measures taken by Ukraine in export logistics and export volumes.

“Ukraine is a world leader in the supply of sunflower oil, grain, oil, honey and even milk powder. 1/3 of our food products were consumed by the countries of the European Union and 2/3 - by Asia and Africa. Now that Ukrainian ports are blocked, one of our key priorities is to unite the joint efforts of various stakeholders, governments of Ukraine and neighboring countries, private companies that can organize the necessary logistics,” - Taras Vysotskyi said.

The First Deputy Minister noted that despite the challenges, Ukrainian farmers continue to sow. About 2 million hectares have been sown so far. Ukraine hopes to sow at least 70% of agricultural area. He guaranteed a minimum of regulation and ensuring the speed of export by the Ukrainian Government.

Mr Jiri Šir, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, pointed out the need to manage the risks caused by the war in Europe, including risks to agricultural products. It is necessary to jointly create conditions for Ukraine to be able to export agricultural products and contribute to European food security.

Ms. Suzanne Fromwald, Senior Adviser at Donau Soja (Austria), stressed the importance of working closely together to find alternative domestic routes to ensure food security, accessibility and stability in Europe. The development of regional value chains for sustainable agricultural production should be an important factor in achieving “Fit for 55” goals in Europe.

Besides this, the ministers of Poland, Romania and Moldova took part in a panel discussion on efforts to increase export logistics and volumes, as Ukraine’s merchandise export are of global importance.

Additionally: The Prague Karl fair Karlsboerse hosts participants from more than 20 countries. It has recommended itself as an event that unites the agricultural markets of Eastern and Western Europe. This year the Ministry of Agrarian Policy presented the Ukrainian National Stand, which was attended by over 30 representatives of large and medium-sized Ukrainian agricultural producers, trading, export and logistics companies, NGOs and etc.

Ukrainian participants had the opportunity to talk to European partners about building partnerships and finding new opportunities at a time when the war changed or destroyed supply chains.

The Ukrainian National Stand and panel discussion with raising-awareness event were organized with the support of Viterra company  and thanks to the efforts of the organizers Karlsboerse and Donau Soja Association.

Reference source: Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine