Ukrainian farmers working in the frontline areas have found themselves in an extremely difficult situation due to administrative barriers and the abolition of preferential tariffs for transportation of products. This was stated by Denys Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC), on the Espresso TV channel.

According to him, farmers working under the constant threat of shelling face additional logistical problems. In particular, it is the decision of Ukrzaliznytsia to cancel the discount for grain transportation from the frontline areas, which had been in effect for almost a year.

“We, as the UAC, have been building this opportunity for a long time, and it was vital for our farmers. Cancellation of the discount without a deep analysis of the real security situation is a blow to those who are already working on the verge of survival,” emphasized Marchuk.

He drew special attention to the fact that many enterprises are not formally included in the list of areas where active hostilities are taking place, although they are actually located in the risk zone. In particular, it is about Druzhkivka and Shakhiv territorial communities. The Ukrainian Agri Council calls on the government to add these communities to the official list so that businesses can count on tax breaks and other support.

“Without this, agricultural producers will be forced to terminate contracts with shareholders because they will not be able to fulfill their obligations due to financial losses,” he explained.

In addition, starting May 1, Ukrzaliznytsia plans to raise freight transportation tariffs by 37%, which will further aggravate the situation. Marchuk emphasized that tariffs for the transportation of agricultural products are currently higher than for the metallurgical or construction industries, and called for the establishment of uniform conditions for all.

“Instead of raising prices for everyone, we need to level the tariff policy. This will allow the railroad to cover the costs of passenger transportation without discriminating against the agricultural sector,” said the Deputy Head of the UAC.

The UAC hopes for prompt decisions from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and the government that can help agricultural producers to maintain production and jobs.