On March 31, the Kirovohrad Region Farmers Forum was held in Kropyvnytskyi, bringing together farmers, Members of Parliament, and government representatives. The key outcome was an agreed list of sector challenges and a decision to establish a working group for their systematic resolution.

The event was organized by the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) in cooperation with the Kirovohrad Regional Military Administration.

The forum was opened by Chairman of the Kirovohrad Regional Council Yurii Drozd and Deputy Head of the Kirovohrad Regional Military Administration Serhii Sheremet.

Farmers are entering the new season amid rising costs and limited state support. As noted by Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Denys Bashlyk, the government continues existing support programs, including the “5-7-9” program and per-hectare payments, but these are insufficient to address all current challenges.

“We understand that this season will be challenging due to the global situation and rising prices for fuel, fertilizers, and other inputs. From the state’s side, we are doing our best within available resources to support farmers and continue all existing programs. This includes both the ‘5-7-9’ program and per-hectare assistance. At the same time, we recognize that this support is not sufficient to cover all challenges, and we are working on expanding support instruments,” he said.

European integration of the agricultural sector was also discussed. Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) Andrii Dykun emphasized that despite current challenges, this process is inevitable, and Ukrainian producers must enter it prepared and with a clear position.

“Today, for farmers, the issue of European integration may not seem timely, as we face many immediate challenges — from rising input costs to market restrictions. However, there is a political decision, and we have no alternative but to move towards the EU. We already see that European farmers perceive Ukraine as a strong competitor and openly express concerns about this. Europe primarily protects its own interests — and this must be clearly understood. That is why our task is to enter the European integration process prepared, with a strong position and readiness to defend the interests of Ukrainian farmers,” he stressed.

During the panel discussion with Members of Parliament, farmers focused on key legislative initiatives, including:

• reinstating export duties on rapeseed and soybeans (No. 14226);
• introducing a land consolidation mechanism;
• reducing excise tax on diesel fuel;
• regulating the movement of oversized transport on local roads.

At the same time, most of these decisions have not yet been adopted. Member of Parliament Yurii Kuzbyt noted that these legislative initiatives are at different stages of consideration and require significant acceleration.

“Regarding the reinstatement of export duties on rapeseed, the relevant draft law has already been registered in Parliament but has not yet been adopted and requires further revision. A similar situation exists with land consolidation — the mechanism has not yet been introduced at the legislative level. As for excise tax on diesel fuel, the Cabinet of Ministers has instructed to develop a reduced coefficient for farmers, but there is currently no corresponding draft law. In other words, all these issues are in progress, but without acceleration, we will not be able to obtain the necessary solutions for the sector in the near future,” he said.

Following the forum, the parties agreed to work jointly on these initiatives.

Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) Denys Marchuk announced the establishment of a regional working group involving farmers and Members of Parliament.

“We initiated the creation of a working group that will include farmers from districts and Members of Parliament. This is a tool that will allow us to advance necessary decisions more quickly. It is important to understand that any decision in Parliament requires at least 225 votes. That is why we need to unite efforts and work systematically,” he emphasized.

He also noted that among UAC’s priorities are issues related to Ukrzaliznytsia’s tariff policy and the tax burden on agricultural producers.

This is already the sixth regional forum held by the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) across different regions of Ukraine. Their goal is not only to identify problems but also to jointly develop concrete solutions with farmers and authorities to support and develop the sector.