Sowing in Ukraine is at risk of disruption due to problems with finances, fuel and mobilization

Against the backdrop of pressure from Europeans, particularly Polish farmers, on Ukrainian agriculture, many problems have accumulated within the country. Once the largest agricultural country, Ukraine now risks being left without its last resource: its own food supply. Of course, this does not threaten famine for the population, as food can be imported, but economic problems are exacerbating.

According to Deputy Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council Denis Marchuk, Ukrainian farmers lack working capital to finance sowing, as well as manpower due to mass mobilization. “When you sell corn at a loss today, the cost of which was over 150 euros, but they offer around 100 euros, you understand that you probably won’t sow this crop. Let’s face it – most likely this season, like the last one, will be marked by a decrease in the amount of corn sown. Perhaps there will be a reduction in sunflower sowing. But the focus will be on oilseeds – soybeans and spring rapeseed, as these are the crops that provide minimal profitability. …There is also a lack of human resources due to the war and mobilization, so it is important to speed up the process of booking workers,” Marchuk noted.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy is already predicting a decrease in yields in 2024 by approximately 4-5%. The cost of elevator services will also increase due to rising electricity prices. An increase in land rental fees is also expected – by about 5% to 114 euros per hectare due to the opening of the land market to legal entities. However, the main destabilizing factors are the hostilities and the border blockade, which could further exacerbate the situation.