The losses and damages to Ukraine’s agricultural sector due to the war exceed €74 billion. Twenty percent of agricultural land is lost or contaminated, and one in five farmers is serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This was stated by Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, Denys Bashlyk, during a screening meeting of the Ukrainian delegation with the European Commission on Negotiation Chapter 11, “Agriculture and Rural Development,” according to the ministry’s press service.
He noted that, in addition to the war, Ukraine—like EU countries—faces long-term challenges such as periodic droughts, climate change impacts, and an aging rural population.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine is actively implementing reforms in agriculture, incorporating EU legal norms into national legislation, Bashlyk emphasized. In 2024, the agricultural sector generated around 15% of GDP and approximately 60% of export revenues. Since the start of the war, over 230 million tons of agricultural products have been exported, generating more than $81 billion in foreign currency revenue.
“Ukraine’s integration is not a one-sided process; it is a mutually beneficial endeavor. By joining the EU, Ukraine will bring not only its enormous agricultural potential but also resilience, innovation, and strong commitment to shared values. Together, we can strengthen Europe’s food security, enhance the competitiveness of the single market, and contribute to sustainable development across the continent,” emphasized Denys Bashlyk.
