News
11.07.2025
Alex Lissitsa spoke at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome
“Ukrainian agribusiness is ready to become a full-fledged part of the EU market and does not pose a threat to the European farmers — the real enemy is Russia, which controls a significant share of the global grain and fertilizer markets,” emphasized UCAB President Alex Lissitsa during the panel discussion “EU Reforms Dimension: Advancing Global Food Security and Food Supply Chain” at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome.
Ukrainian agricultural producers are not afraid of EU standards and are ready to implement them. However, some time is needed for adaptation to bring the agricultural sector up to the European level. At the same time, Ukrainian farmers are interested in IT technologies and eager to learn from their European counterparts. In turn, Ukrainian know-how in drone technologies for agriculture may prove useful for European – particularly Italian – partners.
Sooner or later, many in the EU will have to accept the fact that Ukraine’s grain sector will become an integral part of the European market. But we are not the enemy. The real threat is Russia, which controls 35% of the global grain market and a significant share of the fertilizer market. As for the sunflower oil market, Ukraine is no longer such a powerful competitor, having lost a considerable amount of farmland.
“We see ourselves as part of the common European policy and are ready to engage in discussions on the future transformation of the EU’s agri-food policy. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to speak the language of facts and long-term vision. Ukraine must not be seen as a competitor, but as a reliable partner and a co-creator of the future of the European agricultural sector,” concluded Alex Lissitsa.
