Agro exports could rise to 2 million tons in September under favorable conditions — minister

Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi announced during an online address to the Lviv Region Farmers’ Forum that September could see agro exports rise to 2 million tons, provided favorable conditions are met. This figure would represent approximately 40% of the total required volume. Vysotskyi stated that if the situation improves, exports could potentially reach a maximum of 2.5 million tons per month.

The minister emphasized that alternative routes would not be capable of handling the entire volume of potential exports. To increase export volumes, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy is collaborating with international partners such as Romania and Poland. Vysotskyi also addressed the challenges related to crop storage and access to financing.

He mentioned that various humanitarian programs are currently being implemented in Ukraine, including those providing grain bags, and a mechanism for partially compensating their cost is under development.

Furthermore, the necessary regulatory framework has been put in place to allow banks to defer or extend loan obligations for enterprises. Vysotskyi highlighted that the Ministry of Agrarian Policy is working with banks to ensure the active application of these mechanisms. He urged agricultural businesses to submit specific cases of problematic situations to the ministry, in order to address them promptly with relevant government institutions and banks.

Vysotskyi also emphasized the need for separate government-support mechanisms for the livestock farming industry, which requires substantial and long-term investments. As of September 8, farmers across all regions of Ukraine had harvested 6.85 million hectares, or 59% of the projected area, with wheat harvesting nearing completion.