Ukraine continues the systematic adaptation of its agricultural sector to European Union standards, ensuring a gradual transition without losing the competitiveness of Ukrainian producers. At the same time, compliance with European requirements is already opening new export markets for domestic products and strengthening Ukraine’s position in the global agricultural market.
This was stated by Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi during the national telethon broadcast.
According to him, in 2025 Ukraine completed the screening under negotiation Chapter 12, “Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy,” within which EU directives and regulations subject to implementation were thoroughly reviewed.
“Following the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU, Ukraine has been systematically implementing European standards and approaches. A significant share of Ukrainian producers already operate in accordance with European Union requirements. This is also confirmed by export figures: agricultural products account for more than half of Ukraine’s exports, and the key market for these products is the EU. Such dynamics demonstrate the competitiveness of Ukrainian products and their compliance with European requirements,” Taras Vysotskyi noted.
Particular attention during the broadcast was paid to the adaptation of Ukrainian producers to new requirements regarding animal welfare and the use of plant protection products.
The implementation of the updated standards will take place gradually and with consideration for the capabilities of Ukrainian farmers. The key changes are provided for in the updated Association Agreement and are designed for a transitional period through the end of 2028.
Ukraine is also working on implementing new pesticide regulations while taking into account the need for transition periods for agricultural producers, so that EU requirements do not lead to a loss of competitiveness for Ukraine’s agricultural sector.
According to industry associations, around 10 million hectares of agricultural land may fall under the updated regulations, making the issue of transition periods one of the key topics in the negotiation process.
In addition, Ukraine continues efforts to open new export markets for agricultural products. Priority areas include countries in Asia and the Middle East, in particular Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the United States, and Vietnam. Ukraine is working on harmonizing veterinary and sanitary requirements and undergoing international audits to gain access for its products to new markets.
The deputy minister noted that compliance of Ukrainian products with EU standards also has a positive impact on access to third-country markets. For many countries, the right to export to the European Union serves as a kind of quality mark and confirmation of compliance with international standards. This further strengthens the position of Ukrainian products on the global market.
