European integration of the agro-sector: Ukraine defines key priorities

In Kyiv, the study “The Future of Ukraine’s Agri-Food Sector: Competitiveness, European Integration, and Domestic Market Development” was presented. The event was attended by Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi and Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk.

The main topic of discussion was the transformation of Ukraine’s agro-sector from a predominantly raw-material export model to the production of goods with high added value, strengthening competitiveness, and preparing producers to operate under the rules of the EU single market.

Taras Vysotskyi emphasized that even under conditions of full-scale war, Ukraine must simultaneously respond to urgent challenges and lay the foundation for the long-term development of the agro-sector. European integration is one of the key directions for the future of Ukraine’s agricultural sector.

“At present, the state is committed to providing maximum assistance to farmers. We strive to combine efforts into a powerful synergy allowing us to multiply achievements and guarantee the competitiveness of the sector. It is important not only to adopt European experience but also to offer the EU our internal solutions for joint development,” stressed Taras Vysotskyi.

The Minister noted that forming an effective development model requires joint work by the state, business, sectoral associations, experts, and international partners.

Denys Bashlyk focused on the practical aspects of preparing Ukraine to participate in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. One of the key tasks is the creation and strengthening of the institutional capacity of the Paying Agency. At the same time, Ukraine is already working on piloting digital and information systems necessary for its future operation, in particular FSDN and AKIS.

The Deputy Minister also emphasized that adapting the agricultural sector to EU requirements would demand significant investment from agribusiness. This concerns, in particular, new requirements for animal welfare, restrictions on plant protection products, and compliance with nitrate legislation.

“European integration of the agricultural sector is a movement of two sides: business and the state. We need to have a common vision with business, especially with small and medium producers, who are the most vulnerable during transitional stages. It is important to understand how to make this process as painless as possible for businesses,” emphasized Denys Bashlyk.

He also stressed the importance of involving agricultural producers in modern information systems. In particular, AKIS should ensure farmers’ access to up-to-date agricultural knowledge and European practices, while FSDN will allow the collection of data at the level of individual farms, necessary for shaping effective agricultural policy.

The study “The Future of Ukraine’s Agri-Food Sector: Competitiveness, European Integration, and Domestic Market Development” was prepared within the framework of the project “Research on the Economy of Ukraine’s Agricultural Sector in View of Integration with the EU, Global Food Security, Critical Knowledge Gaps, and Recommendations.” The project is financed by the European Union and implemented by Landell Mills in cooperation with International Economics and Civitta.