Representatives of the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB) and the German Farmers’ Association (Deutscher Bauernverband, DBV) met and exchanged views on key issues of agricultural policy and future cooperation between the agricultural communities of Ukraine and Germany.

During the meeting discussed:

• Challenges faced by Ukrainian agriculture under war conditions and the need for increased international support.
• Harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with EU norms and adaptation to the Common Agricultural Policy.
• Prospects for bilateral cooperation, in particular, exchange of experience in sustainable development, digitalization of agricultural production, modernization of the processing industry and introduction of environmental practices.
• Logistical issues and integration of Ukrainian agricultural producers into the European market.

The DBV representatives expressed solidarity with Ukrainian agrarians and supported Ukraine's early joining the EU. The parties agreed that the reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy should take into account the realities of integration of the Ukrainian agrarian sector, its competitiveness and needs in the transition period.

For their part, the UCAB representatives emphasized that Ukraine's path to the EU will not be easy and long, but its successful completion will open new opportunities for both Ukraine and Europe. In particular, Ukraine's potential accession may become an incentive for revision and adaptation of the EU agricultural policy in accordance with the current challenges and realities, contributing to the strengthening of food security and competitiveness of the European agricultural sector. It is important that all accession rules be uniform and transparent for all countries aspiring to become part of the Union, because equal conditions are the basis for a fair partnership.

“Ukraine is ready to follow this path by implementing the necessary standards and legislative changes. The task for the coming years will be to prepare the Ukrainian agricultural community for the new conditions, in particular, through training and explanation of the standards of the EU Common Agricultural Policy and related regulatory requirements. We are aware of this responsibility and are ready for changes”, - emphasized Alex Lissitsa, President of UCAB.

As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to strengthen the dialog between the agrarian associations of both countries, exchange experience and best practices and jointly develop specific mechanisms for Ukraine's integration into the European agricultural policy. UCAB expresses its sincere gratitude to the German Farmers’ Association (DBV) for their solidarity and openness for further partnership.