Ukraine ready for gradual integration of agri-sector into EU; time to seek solutions now – Agriculture Minister

Kyiv, Oct 14 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukraine stands prepared for a phased incorporation of its agricultural sector into the European Union, while recognizing the apprehensions of European farmers. Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotsky emphasized the importance of devising solutions promptly to accommodate all parties' adaptability and ensure a foreseeable route for Ukraine's full membership in the single market.

Drawing from past EU expansions, Vysotsky highlighted the EU's armory of tools for the incremental integration of new agricultural domains. Vysotsky proposed contemplating a monitoring mechanism akin to Spain's, which involves continuous surveillance of market dynamics. In the event of emerging risks, pre-arranged response mechanisms could be employed.

This strategy would cater to the concerns of certain European markets while guaranteeing transparent and foreseeable conditions for Ukrainian producers. Reflecting on the 2004 EU enlargement, Vysotsky cited direct payments to farmers, which initially constituted 25% of the support level in older member states, escalating to 30% in 2005 and 35% in 2006, culminating in full payments by 2013.

He also referenced Poland's experience, where specific enterprises in meat, dairy, and fish processing received a transitional period to align with EU standards, which concluded by late 2006. The minister underscored the significance of rule predictability in attracting investments, stressing the necessity of defining future integration conditions during the negotiation process itself.

Ukraine's agricultural sector, Vysotsky argued, could substantially bolster EU food security and export capabilities, while paving new avenues for joint investments in production and processing. Negotiations loom, during which a mutually beneficial model must be crafted, balancing the interests of both European and Ukrainian producers and paving a predictable path for Ukraine's agricultural sector towards full EU integration.

The European Commission recently unveiled new strategies for EU enlargement, focusing on Ukraine's agricultural sector. The proposals encompass special mechanisms for financial assistance to Ukrainian farmers and granting access to specific agricultural products in the EU market following accession. However, the exact list of products, mechanisms, and timelines remains to be determined and will be subject to ongoing discussions.