Olesia Shakalo-Olshanetska, Head of the Women Farmers of the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) program, has taken part in meetings with representatives of EU institutions in Brussels, where the consequences of the updated trade agreement between Ukraine and the European Union and the future implementation of European standards in agriculture were discussed.

According to her, after the agreement was updated, Ukraine committed to fully implementing European agricultural rules by 2028. This issue was the key topic of discussion in Brussels.

"The full transfer of EU regulations could have serious consequences for Ukrainian producers. According to preliminary estimates, production costs could rise to USD 100 per hectare, which poses a risk of losing competitiveness in the Asian and African markets," said Olesia Shakalo-Olshanetska.

She stressed that the UAC's participation in the European dialogue is critically important.

“If we are not present in these processes and do not form Ukraine's position, someone else will do it. We see that even in the EU there is no unified position among political groups and institutions. All the more reason why Ukraine should have a coordinated internal position between ministries, agricultural associations, and the state delegation to the EU.”

According to her, Ukraine should determine in advance which rules of the game we are ready to implement and how they will affect Ukrainian farmers.

“We strive not only to meet EU requirements. We want to maintain the competitiveness of the Ukrainian agricultural sector and the sustainable development of our communities. That is why it is so important to talk to our European partners today,” concluded Olesia Shakalo-Olshanetska.