Leading public associations of the Ukrainian agro-industrial complex express their support for the First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi and consider it unacceptable that unproven accusations have been made at a time when the Ukrainian agricultural sector is in particular need of protection in the international arena and support from world leaders to continue exporting domestic agricultural products. The farmers sent a letter of appeal to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine.

On August 24, 2023, the NABU released information about the suspicion of Taras Vysotskyi, First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, in the commission of a criminal offense consisting in the intentional use of official position to obtain an unlawful benefit for a legal entity contrary to the interests of the state.

While highly appreciating the activities of law enforcement agencies in the fight against corruption, we would like to express our confidence that an unfortunate mistake may have been made in this case. The agricultural community considers the charges brought against Taras Vysotskyi to be premature, and his decisions to be in the interests of the state and society.

It was thanks to the professional actions of Taras Vysotskyi in managing and coordinating the industry that we managed to avoid interruptions in food supplies and ensure food security in the regions that needed immediate food assistance in the face of a full-scale invasion.

We kindly ask the leadership of law enforcement agencies, first of all the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, to take into account the opinion of the leading public associations of the agro-industrial complex and objectively consider all the case materials, circumstances, facts and make the right conclusions regarding one of the most decent and professional government officials.

The letter was signed by: Ukrainian Agri Council, Association of Milk Producers, Association of Pig Breeders of Ukraine, Flour Millers of Ukraine, Ukrainian Agribusiness Club, Agrarian Union of Ukraine, Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation, UBA - Ukrainian Bakers Association, Ukrkhlibprom Association, Union of Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine, National Association of Dairy Producers of Ukraine "Ukrmolprom", National Association of Sugar Producers of Ukraine "Ukrtsukor", Association of Ukrainian Producers "Ice Cream and Frozen Products", Association of Meat Industry, Seed Association of Ukraine, Community of Producers and Consumers of Legumes of Ukraine, Ukrainian Berries Association, UIFSA.