Ukraine’s potential membership in the European Union necessitates the introduction of stricter standards for agricultural production. However, experts warn that overly rapid implementation of European norms into national legislation could provoke a mass closure of small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises.
This is reported by Business • Media
Challenges for Small and Medium Farmers
Specialists note that one of the most significant innovations will be the ban on over 100 active substances in plant protection products, in line with EU requirements. This step could reduce agricultural production volumes in Ukraine by up to 30%. In this regard, experts suggest establishing a long transitional period of 10 to 15 years to allow domestic agribusiness to gradually adapt to the new standards.
“Hasty implementation of EU norms into domestic legislation could lead to the closure of a significant portion of small and medium agribusiness.”
The Importance of Support and Flexibility for the Agricultural Sector
Experts emphasize that those producers targeting the EU market must take on the corresponding obligations and gain access to European subsidies. At the same time, agrarians collaborating with countries outside the EU should not be subjected to strict European standard requirements, as this would limit their opportunities and reduce competitiveness in the global market.
Statistics show that agricultural products account for 60% of Ukraine’s exports. Ukrainian agrarians demonstrate a strong interest in the EU market, producing quality products even amid war and are ready to fulfill their obligations. However, for the most effective integration with the European market, it is essential to ensure a gradual transition to new requirements and support for agrarians during the adaptation process.