Ukraine and Poland discussed alternative agro‑export routes, crop storage, and support for farmers

Due to systematic russian attacks on port and logistics infrastructure, Ukraine is working to maximize the use of alternative export routes, including through EU countries. These involve railway and road crossings, as well as the use of European port infrastructure. At the same time, the disruption of maritime logistics creates additional risks for crop storage and for providing farmers with working capital. This was emphasized by Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi during a meeting with representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ukraine.

Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk also took part in the meeting, while the Polish side was represented by Chargé d’Affaires Piotr Łukasiewicz and Embassy Counselor Zbigniew Ekiert.

The parties discussed the consequences of russian attacks on the ports of Greater Odesa and agricultural infrastructure, opportunities to expand alternative routes for exporting Ukrainian agricultural products, as well as further Ukrainian‑Polish cooperation in agricultural recovery, attracting investment, and implementing joint projects.

“Our main goal is to maximize the use of logistics opportunities for the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products. Transit will benefit everyone, especially under current conditions when maritime logistics has become significantly complicated and more expensive due to russian attacks. It is important to jointly assess where transit capacity can be increased, involving Ukrzaliznytsia, customs, border, veterinary, and phytosanitary services,” said Taras Vysotskyi.

According to Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Denys Bashlyk, the main objective now is to do everything possible to restore the humanitarian maritime corridor and help Ukrainian farmers withstand this period. Therefore, among the key goals are establishing alternative export routes, including solidarity lanes and ports of other countries. One such option could be the ports of Gdańsk, Szczecin, Świnoujście, and Gdynia. At the same time, it is important to assess the cost of such routes and their economic feasibility for Ukrainian exports.

“The priority task is to preserve the ability to export to third countries. If Ukrainian farmers cannot sell their products, they will lack funds for the next sowing season. Therefore, Ukraine is simultaneously working on alternative logistics, crop storage, and ensuring farmers’ access to financing,” noted Denys Bashlyk.

The parties also discussed providing Ukrainian farmers with storage capacity. According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, by November the deficit of storage capacity may range from 7.5–8 million tonnes to 11 million tonnes.

Another area of discussion was ensuring farmers’ access to working capital. Due to export difficulties, Ukrainian producers may face a shortage of financing for autumn fieldwork and spring sowing. The Government of Ukraine is expanding credit programs for farmers and working with international partners on the possibility of interest rate compensation for such loans.