Ukraine ranks third among the largest suppliers of agricultural products to EU Member States. In 2023, Ukrainian agricultural exports to the European Union amounted to USD 12.6 billion, which is only USD 0.5 billion (-3.8%) less than the record figure of 2022 (USD 13.1 billion). This represents the second-highest result in terms of value since Ukraine’s independence.
More than 82% of the export structure to the EU is accounted for by cereals and oilseeds, fats and oils, and residues of the processing industry.
Institutional framework
Cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the field of agriculture is carried out on the basis of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).
The key legal basis is Chapter 17 “Agriculture and Rural Development” of Title V “Economic and Sectoral Cooperation” of the Agreement.
The areas of cooperation in this field include: organic farming, trade standards for plants, and quality policy.
The Parties cooperate within Cluster No. 5 of the Subcommittee on Economy and Other Sectoral Cooperation of the EU–Ukraine Association Committee – Cluster “Agriculture and Rural Development, Cross-Border and Regional Cooperation, the Danube, Fisheries and Maritime Policy.”
Another format of cooperation is the EU–Ukraine Agricultural Dialogue, which is held twice a year under the Memorandum of Understanding on the Agricultural Dialogue.
Areas of cooperation
strengthening administrative capacity at central and local levels in planning, evaluation, and implementation of agricultural and rural development policies;
promoting the development of modern and sustainable agricultural production with respect for the environment and animal welfare, including the wider use of organic production methods and biotechnologies, and implementation of best practices in these areas;
enhancing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, the efficiency and transparency of markets, as well as conditions for investment;
exchanging best practices regarding agricultural policy support mechanisms and rural development;
implementing quality policy for agricultural products in the field of standardisation, production requirements, and quality schemes.
Expected results
expanding opportunities for companies, small and medium-sized farms, fostering cooperation, exchange of knowledge, experience, and technologies;
adaptation of agricultural product standards and market infrastructure, facilitating access of Ukrainian agri-food products to the EU and third-country markets;
improving the quality of agricultural products by raising environmental standards of production;
modernisation of state agricultural policy in line with EU legislation;
development of standards and infrastructure for the agricultural market.
Thanks to the EU’s “Solidarity Lanes” initiative, from May 2022 to January 2024, Ukraine was able to export around 122 million tonnes of goods, including about 64 million tonnes of grain, oilseeds and related agri-food products. Overall, approximately 58% of Ukraine’s grain exports since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine were shipped (including 42% via Ukrainian Black Sea ports).
The EU’s “Solidarity Lanes” also enabled Ukraine to import over 45 million tonnes of goods – ranging from military and humanitarian aid to fuel and other essential products.
The total trade value through the “Solidarity Lanes” is estimated at approximately EUR 139 billion, of which over EUR 46 billion accounted for Ukrainian exports and more than EUR 93 billion for Ukrainian imports.
Useful links
Association Agreement: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/984_011/print
EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Requirements: https://ukraine-eu.mfa.gov.ua/centr-pidtrimki-eksporteriv/netarifne-regulyuvannya/sanitarni-ta-fitosanitarni-zahodi
EU4Business Programme for SMEs: http://www.eu4business.eu/uk/ukraine
Information and Analytical Portal of Ukraine’s Agro-Industrial Complex: https://agro.me.gov.ua/ua
Ministry of Economy of Ukraine: https://www.me.gov.ua/?lang=uk-UA
Ukrainian Agribusiness Club: http://www.ucab.ua
European Commission DG Agriculture and Rural Development: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/agriculture/index_en.htm
Solidarity Lanes: https://eu-solidarity-ukraine.ec.europa.eu/eu-assistance-ukraine/eu-ukraine-solidarity-lanes_en