Despite daily shelling and destruction of infrastructure, Ukrainian farmers continue to work in the fields, risking their lives to ensure the country's food security.

This was reported by Denys Marchuk, the Ukrainian Agri Council Deputy Chairman:

"The enemy is deliberately targeting not only military targets, but also civilian and agricultural infrastructure. Losses due to the destruction of agricultural enterprises exceed EUR75 billion, of which more than EUR11 billion are direct losses. More than 1,300 enterprises have been affected, and hundreds of people have died. And each new strike hits not only the economy but also the people who work in the fields."

The situation is particularly difficult in areas located near the front line. Farmers are forced to go out into the fields to pay taxes and rent for the land.

«The UAC has appealed to the Ukrainian government to designate “red zones” — communities where active hostilities are ongoing — in order to exempt farmers there from taxes and rent payments. The inability to meet these financial obligations leads to debt, and in order to avoid it in the future, farmers are forced to work with great risks. The UAC also proposes to give such commodity producers the opportunity to independently terminate bureaucratic obligations regarding land leases. We expect a quick response from the Cabinet of Ministers, because not only people's lives depend on it, but also the results of our harvest," emphasized Denys Marchuk.

The UAC supports farms in frontline areas by providing them with financing, seeds, and other material and technical resources. To this end, a mutual assistance program has been launched.

“Many farms in the southeastern regions have lost a significant part of their crops and do not have the resources for sowing. The UAC has launched the “Like attracts like” program to support such producers financially and materially. This allows people to continue working and sustain the economy of the regions,” said the UAC Deputy Chairman.

Despite the shelling, Ukraine has already harvested over 30 million tons of new crops. However, new customs restrictions on oilseeds are effectively blocking exports and causing losses to commodity producers.

"After the adoption of the law introducing a 10% duty on soybeans and rapeseed, exports have virtually stopped. The rule that allowed those who directly grow the products to avoid paying duties is effectively not working, as customs only allows goods to pass after a 10% fee has been paid. Therefore, the UAA is actively working with the government today to normalize the law and enable commodity producers to export directly. Farmers from frontline areas and those affected by drought are in particular need of export revenues to carry out their field work," emphasized Denys Marchuk.