Russian agricultural sector should become part of the discussion on food security, — Agrarian Council

Russia remains one of the largest players in the global grain market, while its agricultural sector remains largely exempt from sanctions.

This was stated by the head of the Agrarian Council Andriy Dykun during the forum “Agricultural Sector – 2027. Dialogue that Shapes Decisions”, which took place in Khmelnytskyi.

“Despite numerous sanction packages, the Russian agricultural sector remains largely exempt from sanctions. In my opinion, this issue should be part of the international discussion on food security and further pressure on Russia,” said Andriy Dykun.

Separately, the head of the VAR emphasized the critical importance of restoring the full operation of the ports of Great Odesa for Ukrainian agricultural exports.

“The Danube, railway and road transportation remain important alternative routes today. But in terms of volume, they cannot fully replace sea exports,” said Dykun.

He added that two years after the Russian attacks, port companies have been restoring damaged facilities mainly at their own expense.

“Ports are critically important for Ukrainian exports today, so their restoration and protection must receive systematic support from the state and international partners, just as is already happening in the energy sector,” the head of the Agrarian Council emphasized.

The forum was attended by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotsky, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy Oleksandr Haidu, people’s deputies, representatives of the Khmelnytskyi region, and agricultural producers.

The participants discussed key issues for the industry – the situation with sea exports and alternative routes, prices, financing and state support programs, in particular “5-7-9%”, European integration, state regulation, and working conditions for agricultural producers in the next production seasons.

During the forum, agricultural producers also voiced their problems and proposals for the further work of the industry. They plan to take them into account when developing solutions for the agricultural sector for 2027.

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