Adaptation of Ukraine's agricultural sector to EU law: a series of regional dialogues with business and authorities has started in Vinnytsia

On 27 January 2026, the first event in a series of regional dialogues between the Government and businesses took place in Vinnytsia. The event focused on the negotiation process for Ukraine's accession to the EU, key changes for the agricultural sector, steps to adapt business to EU rules and standards, and strengthening coordination of positions on regulatory changes and transition periods.

The event, entitled Agricultural sector on the path to the EU: Where we are and what lies ahead, was attended by Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine (online), Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, Mykola Kucher, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy Mykola Kucher, Head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration Nataliia Zabolotna, experts from the EU Delegation to Ukraine, as well as representatives of international organisations, financial institutions, agro-industrial associations and regional agribusinesses.

In particular, the following topics were discussed:

• current stage of Ukraine's European integration and key steps towards EU membership;
• adaptation of Ukraine's agricultural sector to the rules and requirements of the EU Single Market;
• formation of Ukraine's future agri-food policy in the context of European integration;
• investment opportunities and financial instruments to support business in the process of preparing for accession;
• role of the state, business and international partners in implementing reforms as well as the modernization of agrarian industry.

Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka shared details with participants about the progress of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU and further steps towards European integration reforms.

"This year means intensive internal work for us. We are focusing on harmonising legislation within the National Adaptation Programme, strengthening institutional capacity where necessary, and the practical implementation of European rules, procedures and control systems on which the functioning of the EU Single Market is based. This is not about formal changes. The key issue is how institutions work in practice, how they apply the rules and how the control and trust system is formed, without which full integration into the European market is impossible," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

"European integration of the agricultural sector for Ukraine is a step-by-step practical process. In 2025, Ukraine successfully passed screening in three sections of the negotiation process with the EU. The legislative framework for the implementation of key elements of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, including strategic planning, the Paying Agency and digital tools, has already been established. The next step is to prepare a national strategic plan for the CAP with the involvement of farmers and regions and taking into account national interests. This will allow us to move from short-term decisions to seven-year planning, integrate environmental and climate goals, and ensure long-term support for farmers on the path to EU membership," Taras Kachka emphasised.

Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Taras Vysotsky focused on the practical implications of implementing European legislation for the agricultural sector.

"The agricultural sector is one of the key pillars of the Ukrainian economy's resilience and the stability of the macro-financial system, one of the country's largest employers, generating a significant portion of GDP, and a guarantee of the resilience of communities and regions. This sector was once called the locomotive, but in recent years it has become the real driving force behind the Ukrainian economy. It is also a sector that shapes Ukraine's international reputation as a reliable food supplier to Europe and the rest of the world, feeding about 400 million people every year. Our task is to ensure that European integration becomes an opportunity for modernisation and growth, rather than an additional stress test for survival," Taras Vysotskyi emphasised.

Member of the Verkhovna Rada, Mykola Kucher stressed the importance of aligning regulatory decisions with Ukraine's negotiating position.

"Joining the EU is not just about passing critically important laws. It is a fundamental change in approaches to working with laws and regulations. The Verkhovna Rada is contributing to this process. On the path to European integration, complex laws have been adopted, in particular on the Paying Agency, as well as on veterinary medicine and animal welfare. But the law is only the first step. Now it is important to ensure institutional capacity and implementation. This is our key task even before official accession to the EU," he noted.

Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of Section for Public Finance, Business Support, and Social Policies at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, emphasised that the EU remains a reliable partner of Ukraine and continues to provide substantial political, humanitarian and financial assistance to the country.

"Since the start of russia's full-scale invasion, the European Union has mobilised EUR 230 million to support Ukrainian farmers to help them maintain production, restore rural areas and demine agricultural land. The EU is also promoting investment and expanding access to finance for the modernisation of farms and agribusinesses. This should serve as an impetus from the EU to promote Ukraine's integration into the EU market," said Henrik Huitfeldt.

In her welcoming speech, Natalia Zabolotna, Head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration, noted that the first in a series of regional dialogues with business is a landmark event for the Vinnytsia region. This is due to the strategic importance of Vinnytsia as one of Ukraine's main agricultural regions.

"The issue of achieving food security in Ukraine is a priority for the development of the region. According to the results of 2025, the region is among the top five regions of Ukraine in terms of grain, sugar beet and sunflower cultivation. Livestock farming is actively developing in the region, which ensures that consumer demand is met. Agricultural production in the region today brings together large agricultural corporations, medium-sized and small producers. The interests of each of them must be taken into account when implementing the strategic development goals of the Vinnytsia region. At the same time, we are well aware that the path to the EU is not only about new opportunities, but also serious challenges, especially for the agricultural business. This is a major joint effort to adapt to European standards of quality, safety, environmental friendliness and management. This process requires knowledge, dialogue, clear guidelines and mutual support," emphasised the head of the Regional Military Administration.

The panel discussions also addressed cross-sectoral changes related to the adaptation of the agri-food sector to the requirements of the European Union and the practical experience of EU Member States in implementing relevant reforms. Participants discussed the alignment of agricultural policy with EU environmental, sanitary, phytosanitary and financial requirements, as well as the impact of these changes on production processes, supply chains and the competitiveness of Ukrainian products.

A separate discussion focused on investments and business support instruments in preparation for Ukraine's integration into the European Union. Participants focused on financing opportunities for agricultural producers, the role of international financial institutions, lending and guarantee programmes, and mechanisms for attracting private investment to modernise production, increase sustainability and comply with European standards.

The event featured the presentation of a brochure EU Accession and Agri-Sector: How the CAP Works in Practice, created by a team of authors and experts. The material explains the key elements of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy and shows how they work in practice.

The event was organised by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, together with the Ukraine2EU programme, in cooperation with the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration and in partnership with the Recovery and Reform Delivery Office of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.