Adaptation of production to EU requirements and support programs that the government continues to implement together with international partners are important issues for Ukraine's agricultural sector. Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council, emphasized this on the air of the National Telethon.

The main financial assistance to farmers is provided through the state preferential loan program 5-7-9, which remains an important tool for small and medium-sized businesses.

“The state preferential loan program 5-7-9 is really important and correct one. For our part, we have asked to increase the credit limit from UAH 90 million to UAH 150 million per one enterprise in the new season, starting in March 2025, as financial costs have increased and this would accelerate the recovery from the crisis. After all, the farmers affected by the war have been working at a loss for two years, using their own financial resources for survival rather than development,” said the UAC Deputy Chairman.

Farmers working in the frontline and near-frontline areas need special support. A compensation program is in place for them: UAH 1,000 per hectare in the frontline areas and up to UAH 2,000 per hectare in the hostility zones. However, these amounts are insufficient.

“The producers have carried out the sowing season, but there was a drought, and now many of them are forced to leave their fields and move away because of Russian attacks. Compensation in such areas is critically important, it needs to be significantly increased by one hectare,” emphasized Denys Marchuk.

The Deputy Head of the UAC also spoke about the difficult process of European integration of Ukraine's agricultural sector and emphasized the need to adapt products, including dairy products, to the standards of the European Union.

“Dairy production is actively developing, as European integration requires reaching the level of extra-class milk. The high EU standards for food quality can be ensured by industrial producers. Expanding exports to Europe opens up new opportunities for Ukrainian products, particularly in the Chinese market, which is known for its demanding quality. If our standards are recognized in the EU, this will create conditions for entering other Asian markets, which is extremely promising. In addition, dairy complexes create new jobs, which will help Ukrainians return from abroad and develop rural infrastructure. From the point of view of financial investments, this is a very promising area,” believes the UAC Deputy Chairman.

Among the main challenges of European integration, the expert mentioned the EU's strict requirements for the use of mineral fertilizers and plant protection products. European farmers have already protested against these requirements, as they are quite strict.

“The EU compensates its farmers for the costs of meeting the requirements of the Green Deal, but Ukraine, not being a member of the EU, is not able to receive such compensation. Therefore, all financial costs are borne by our producers,” said Denys Marchuk.

According to him, the process of European integration is important for the Ukrainian agricultural sector, and Ukraine is actively working to adapt to EU requirements.