Ukraine at international conference: from grain exports to higher value-added products

Ukraine remains one of the key suppliers of grain to global markets. According to preliminary estimates, in the 2025/26 marketing year the country may export around 14 million tonnes of wheat, 25 million tonnes of maize and 1.52 million tonnes of barley. This represents approximately 6%, 12% and 4% of global exports of these crops respectively. At the same time, the key objective is to create more value within the country.

This was stated by Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, during an online address at the IGC Grains Conference 2026, held in London on 9–10 June.

This year’s theme was “Charting the future drivers of global grains trade”. The conference brought together more than 350 participants from 62 countries, including representatives of governments, international organisations, producers, traders and logistics companies.

Taras Vysotskyi took part in the fourth high-level dialogue between producing and importing countries. Participants discussed the role of international trade in strengthening global food security. Particular attention was paid to countries in the Middle East and Africa, where stable access to food remains critically important.

“Ukraine remains an important contributor to global food security even during wartime. We have maintained exports, adapted logistics and demonstrated the reliability of Ukraine’s agricultural sector to global markets. Our next task is to create more value within the country. We already have strong examples in sunflower oil and sunflower meal, where Ukraine holds leading positions, as well as bioethanol, whose exports have nearly tripled since the start of the full-scale war. Developing processing industries means more jobs, more investment and stronger positions for Ukrainian producers,” Taras Vysotskyi said.

It is becoming increasingly important for Ukraine to increase the share of processed products in agricultural exports. In particular, this includes expanding processing in grain, soybeans, rapeseed, feed ingredients, biofuels and the broader bioeconomy. Achieving this will require investment in processing capacity, access to finance, war-risk insurance, a stable trade policy, harmonisation of standards with the European Union and protection of investments.

Such an approach will strengthen Ukraine’s position in international markets, improve the resilience of exports and increase the economic return generated by the agricultural sector.

Background

The IGC Grains Conference 2026 was held as part of London Grains Week. The conference serves as an international platform for dialogue between producing countries, importing countries, businesses and international organisations on the future of global grain trade. This year’s discussions focused on market prices, risk management, logistics innovation and the development of trade in cereals, oilseeds and pulses.