The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine did not support oligarchic amendment No.40 to draft law No.13134, which aimed to restrict exports of soybeans and rapeseed, artificially strengthen monopolies in the processing market, and push small and medium-sized agribusinesses out of the production process.

It is particularly outrageous that this discriminatory amendment was cynically attempted to be “sewn” into the draft law on medicines — No.13134, which in no way concerns agricultural policy. This indicates a desire to make decisions behind closed doors, without professional discussions and without taking into account the opinion of the farming community.

The amendment was non-transparent, contrary to the principles of free competition and Ukraine's international obligations within the EU Free Trade Area.

We would like to thank every member of parliament who opposed this initiative, abstained from voting, or refrained from voting, thereby siding with Ukrainian farmers.

Special thanks go to Oleksii Honcharenko, who submitted an amendment for consideration and insisted on its confirmation in the session hall, exposing its essence and consequences. We also thank Dmytro Kostiuk for his clear position, open support from the parliament rostrum, and defense of the principles of free competition and small and medium-sized agribusiness.

"Today's vote is not just a rejection of a harmful amendment. It is a clear signal that there are still politicians in Ukraine who listen to farmers rather than defending the interests of a few large players and big companies. We are grateful for this principled position, but the fight for fair agricultural policy continues," commented Andrii Dykun, chairman of the Ukrainian Agri Council.