Ukraine has seen a remarkable increase in the export of agricultural seeds over the past five years, particularly in grains and oilseeds, while simultaneously reducing its imports. This trend is highlighted in a recent report from the National Scientific Center "Institute of Agrarian Economics" (IAE), which noted that seed exports have surged more than sixfold, rising from $20 million to an impressive $122 million USD.
According to Oleksandr Zakharchuk, the head of the Investment and Material-Technical Support Department at the IAE, several factors have contributed to this significant growth in seed exports. One of the primary reasons is the ability to produce competitive hybrid seeds of domestic selection at new, modern seed plants within Ukraine. This capability not only meets the domestic demand but also facilitates exports to European Union countries.
However, the reduction in seed imports, particularly of foreign hybrid seeds, can be attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The broad-scale armed aggression from the Russian Federation has led to a temporary occupation of territories, which has adversely affected agricultural practices and reduced the area of land available for commercial crops. Zakharchuk explained that the decrease in the consumption of seeds is largely due to the shrinking areas of cultivated land.
Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, there has been an increase in the sowing of certain niche crops, which has resulted in a rise in the import of seed materials for crops such as rye, oats, sorghum, flax, hemp, mustard, as well as sugar beets and vegetables during the period from 2022 to 2024.
Looking ahead, the IAE forecasts that the trends of increasing seed exports will continue, with an expected annual growth rate of 10-15%. Furthermore, they predict that seed imports will stabilize at a level between $350 million and $400 million USD in the coming years.
In 2024, Ukraine notably increased its export of corn seeds to the European Union, which surged approximately 30 times compared to 2021, reaching a record high of $115 million USD. This dramatic increase underscores the growing importance of Ukraine as a key player in the agricultural seed market.
The situation reflects a broader adaptation within the Ukrainian agricultural sector, which has been forced to innovate and adjust in response to the ongoing war. The establishment of modern seed production facilities has been crucial in this regard, allowing for the production of high-quality seeds that can compete in international markets.
In addition to the increase in seed exports, the Ukrainian agricultural sector is also gearing up for the 2025 planting season. As of March 31, 2025, approximately 551.8 thousand hectares of spring grain and leguminous crops have already been sown. This includes significant areas dedicated to barley, spring wheat, peas, and oats.
Technical crops such as sugar beets and soybeans have also begun to be planted, with leading regions for sowing including Mykolaiv, Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, and Volyn. Notably, the area under spring wheat is expected to increase by 28%, driven by stable demand from processing enterprises and exporters.
Furthermore, the delivery of combines from the United States is expected to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian farmers, who have actively commenced their sowing campaigns. This influx of modern agricultural equipment is likely to improve overall productivity in the sector.
As the agricultural season progresses, there are also notable developments in the export of other agricultural products. For instance, Ukraine has doubled its export of eggs in early 2025, with exports reaching 20.1 thousand tons, which is twice as much as during the same period in 2024.
In monetary terms, egg exports have increased by 2.1 times, totaling $23 million USD. Croatia, Italy, and Poland have emerged as the main importers of Ukrainian eggs, indicating a growing market for these products.
Overall, the agricultural landscape in Ukraine is undergoing significant transformations in response to both internal challenges and external opportunities. The commitment to increasing seed exports, alongside the adaptation to new agricultural practices and technologies, positions Ukraine as a resilient player in the global agricultural market.
As the country continues to navigate the complexities of war and economic pressures, the focus on agricultural exports remains pivotal for Ukraine's economic recovery and growth.
