Ukraine agricultural groups ask EU to not restrict exports of food

The Association of Milk Producers, Union of the Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine, National Association of milk producers of Ukraine and other Ukrainian agricultural associations have appealed to the European Union authorities not to restrict the free movement of Ukrainian food, as the bans imposed by some EU countries threaten global food security and contradict many international treaties. Solidarity Lanes should work to prevent hunger in poor countries in Africa and Asia, and thus a new wave of migration to Europe. Without the full functioning of these export routes, not only will global value chains and supply chains be further disrupted, but also financial losses will be incurred by both Ukrainian and foreign producers, the associations say.

The introduction of restrictive trade measures by EU countries contradicts many international agreements, including WTO trade rules, EU rules on the common market, and the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, and also undermines the postulates of Solidarity Lanes introduced by the EU. Eastern EU markets have never been key for Ukrainian grain or other agricultural products, given these countries’ high level of agricultural production. And therefore, the circumstances that have developed are exclusively situational, caused by the Russian war and the closure of the Ukrainian ports of the Black and Azov seas.

Andriy Dykun, head of the Ukrainian Agri Council and the SaveUA Charity Fund, states, “We understand that during the war, the volume of exports to the EU neighbouring countries of Ukraine increased significantly (especially given the unstable operation of the “grain corridor”), which had a particular impact on their market. Nevertheless, the vast majority of products go in transit to other countries, and this is the main interest of the Ukrainian agricultural sector. At the same time, the consistency and predictability of the trade policy are essential because, before the full-scale invasion, Ukraine established mutually beneficial cooperation with the EU countries regarding trade in agri-food products. A sudden complete ban on imports harms previously established relationships, contracts and rhythmic supply of certain agricultural products.”

He adds, “Considering the complex socio-political situation that has developed in neighbouring EU countries, we call on our European colleagues to open dialogue with the involvement of representatives of European institutions to find compromise solutions that do not conflict with EU rules and regulations. At the same time, the introduction of unilateral bans on import and transit will create additional pressure on Ukrainian farmers and lead to a deepening of the global food security crisis. Any speculations about introducing a ban on the transit of Ukrainian agri-food products are unacceptable since the economic wellbeing of European farmers depends on them and the survival of Ukrainian farmers and consumers of Ukrainian products worldwide.” Dykun concludes by saying, “The current situation is purely political. Unfortunately, this affects the industry that is the engine of Ukraine’s economy. The political decisions of our neighbours are affecting farmers who, suffering from the destruction of their farms and the inability to sow because of mined fields, continue to help our military. Farmers who still have stocks of last year’s harvest for export.” Ukrainian farmers also appealed to the representatives of the European Commission with a

request to facilitate the removal of strict restrictions on trade between the eastern EU countries and Ukraine. This open appeal to the EU was signed by the Ukrainian Agri Council and 27 industry associations that are members of the Ukrainian National Agrarian Forum. They include: Ukrainian National Agrarian Forum, Agrarian Union of Ukraine, All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, Poultry Union of Ukraine, Ukroliyaprom Association, Seed Association of Ukraine, National Association of Sugar Producers of Ukraine, Association of Milk Producers, Union of the Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine, Food Association, National Association of milk producers of Ukraine (Ukrmolprom), Ukrharchoprom (an NGO), Millers of Ukraine, Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation, Ukrainian Agribusiness Club, Association of Bakery Enterprises (Ukrkhlibprom), All-Ukrainian Association of Bakers, Ukrainian Nut Association (Ukrkondprom), Community of pulse producers and customers of Ukraine, Ukrainian Ice Cream and frozen products Association, Meat industry Association (Ukrvinprom), SC Ukrainian Wine Institute, Association of Pig Producers of Ukraine, All-Ukrainian Association of Importers of Meat and Meat Products, Ukrainian Berries Association, National Association of Manufacturers of Baby Food, Milk and Juice Products (Ukrkonservmoloko), and Ukrainian Importers of Fish and Seafood.

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