Ukrainian farmers have harvested about 31.5 million tons of grains and legumes, which is almost 70% of the planned area. Yields are generally comparable to last year's, said Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC), during a briefing at Media Center Ukraine. Despite this, EU restrictions on tariffs and quotas are reducing wheat supplies, and Ukrainian legislation is complicating the export of rapeseed and soybeans.

"The wheat harvest amounted to 22.5 million tons. This is a very good result, given the conditions of war, constant shelling, drought, and spring frosts. We have enough for domestic consumption, 6-7 million tons, and the rest will be exported. Therefore, Ukraine will remain an important player in the global market. At the same time, this marketing year we are lagging behind in terms of export rates – to date, slightly more than 6 million tons have been shipped, compared to over 10 million last year," emphasized the UAС Deputy Chairman.

As for the geography of Ukrainian agricultural exports this year, the situation has undergone certain changes.

"Exports are changing due to adjustments in the EU's position on tariffs and quotas. While Ukraine significantly increased grain supplies to the EU in 2022–2023 and early 2024, this season is expected to see significantly lower wheat exports due to quotas — 1.5 million tons compared to over 4 million tons last season. Certain restrictions may also affect corn, but due to the absence of tariffs in the EU, we predict better export figures for it. I would like to remind you that last year, about 50% of Ukrainian corn, or 13 million tons, was supplied to the European market. At the same time, other regions remain a priority for us — Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, which is currently actively purchasing Ukrainian products."

A separate problem remains with the export of rapeseed and soybeans, where customs is blocking shipments due to a new law.

"The law allows rapeseed and soybeans to be exported without a 10% duty if they are grown by the company itself, but transitional provisions and a mechanism for confirming the origin of the products have not been specified. As a result, producers have to pay a 10% duty, which is economically unprofitable. Many exporters have suspended their operations. The UAC is actively working with the Ministry of Economy, Ecology, and Agriculture, and we hope that a resolution will be adopted as soon as possible to resolve the situation," added the UAC Deputy Chairman.