Adaptation of Ukraine's Agricultural Sector to EU Pesticide Regulations Could Result in Annual Losses of $2 Billion, Says Deputy Minister

According to information provided by Taras Vysotsky, the Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, in an interview with delo.ua, the transition of Ukraine's agricultural sector to European standards for the use of plant protection products (PPP) will encompass approximately 10 million hectares, which represents around 40% of all cultivated land in Ukraine. This process could result in annual losses amounting to at least $2 billion.

Vysotsky emphasized that the phased harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with European Union regulations involves the removal of risky active substances from the market and the implementation of integrated pest management. This, in turn, may lead to a temporary reduction in yields by an average of up to 20%. For instance, a decline of 13% is projected for corn, while sunflower yields could drop by as much as 26%.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that the increase in production costs, estimated to range from 70 to 150 euros per hectare, is a consequence not only of more expensive plant protection products. It is a complex process driven by the shift to more costly or biological alternatives, as well as the necessity for additional technological operations. A significant factor in this process is also the temporary decrease in yields during the transitional phase.

Vysotsky noted that government support for farmers is a fundamental position of the administration. He stressed that the European Union never implements environmental requirements without the availability of financial instruments to support farmers. Ukraine is moving in the same direction, and during the implementation of new legislation, mechanisms will be established to compensate for costs, support small and medium-sized farmers, and mitigate yield losses during the transitional period.

The main message of the reform, according to the Deputy Minister, is not about increasing the cost of agricultural production, but rather about transitioning to a competitive model that grants Ukrainian producers full access to the European Union's single market. This, in Vysotsky's view, is an important step towards integrating Ukraine's agricultural sector into the European economy.

It is worth noting that the full adaptation of Ukrainian agricultural legislation to EU norms is expected to be completed by 2028. During the years 2026-2027, key attention will be focused on implementing regulations concerning food safety, animal welfare, and the greening of the agricultural sector.