Representatives of UCAB within the framework of “Green Week” took part in the Ukrainian-German agrarian round table with participation of the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Vitaliy Koval, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Germany Cem Özdemir, as well as representatives of leading agrarian associations of both countries. The main purpose of the meeting was to define strategic directions of cooperation between Ukraine and Germany in the agrarian sphere.

During the meeting, the UCAB initiated the creation of a permanent Ukrainian-German agrarian platform available for all agrarian associations of Ukraine and Germany. This initiative was unanimously supported by all participants of the round table, who agreed that the platform will become an important tool for exchange of experience, development of joint projects and improvement of cooperation between the countries in the agricultural sector. It was proposed to pay special attention to attracting the agro-processing sector of both countries to the platform, as this sector is key for the development of sustainable agribusiness and increasing the added value of agro-products.

The following issues were identified as the main topics of discussion during the roundtable and key areas of cooperation within the platform:

• Ensuring open agro-trade between Ukraine and the EU. The EU remains one of the key agro export destinations for Ukraine, especially in the context of war and global challenges. However, it is important to balance the interests of European farmers and Ukrainian exporters to avoid trade conflicts. It is proposed to develop common mechanisms to ensure stability and predictability of trade, stimulate investments in modernization of logistics routes and storage of agro-products.
• Joint responses to the challenges of climate change and the development of sustainable agriculture. Climate change is forcing Ukraine and Germany to look for new approaches to agribusiness. Priorities include reducing carbon footprint, preserving biodiversity and optimizing the use of natural resources. Joint research programs, data and technology exchange can lay the foundation for effective cooperation in implementing sustainable practices.
• Integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector into the EU and adaptation to the EU Common Agricultural Policy. Ukraine is actively implementing European legislation, introducing EU production and market standards and norms, but further adaptation is needed in market regulation, environmental regulations, product quality and farmer support. Cooperation with Germany as a key EU partner can accelerate this process through training of specialists, technical support, implementation of pilot projects and exchange of best practices.

According to UCAB Director General Oleh Khomenko, this platform will create an opportunity to identify bottlenecks and sensitive aspects in bilateral trade relations, as well as facilitate the transfer of discussions on the integration of Ukraine's agribusiness sector into the EU to the expert level. This will allow specialized associations to find common solutions within the framework of constructive dialog. A separate important area of the platform's work will be professional clarification and counteraction to negative narratives about the Ukrainian agricultural sector, which are purposefully disseminated by the neighboring aggressor country in order to prevent Ukraine's European integration.

UCAB thanks colleagues and partners for a fruitful meeting and is ready to actively promote a productive dialog within the platform, providing expert support and directing efforts to achieve common goals!