Ukraine has officially reported yet another record grain harvest for 2016, exceeding 66 million tonnes in the process, according to AgriLand.
Of this, wheat accounted for 26.8 million tonnes, maize came in at 28 million tonnes and the barley harvest amounted to 9.9 million tonnes. Aside, 4.3 million tonnes of soy bean were also harvested, AgriLand reported.
Agriculture-related products are now the largest exports from Ukraine, accounting for EUR 14.6 billion, or 42.5% of total Ukrainian exports in 2016 (by value).
See also: IMF want to launch land market in Ukraine waiting for significant economic gains
The impact of Ukraine`s agricultural export-led growth can already be seen in Ireland.
Ukraine has been the leading overseas supplier of maize into Ireland over the past three years, exporting 284,908 tonnes to Ireland last year.
The opportunity for further bilateral trade opportunities with Ukraine needs to be further explored.
For example, as a key global fertilizer exporter, Ireland could easily turn to Ukraine for supply of this key input.
At the same time, Ukraine has a deficit in quality bovine stock and genetics. It also imports a lot of its farm machinery needs.
These are areas that Ireland could capitalize on – from an export point of view.
Sugar Beet Industry
Ukraine has the capability to double its agricultural output; there`s enough capacity to feed 500 million people. It has the capability to easily capitalize on post-Brexit agri-food trade opportunities.
Similarly, those with notions of resurrecting Ireland`s sugar beet industry should cast a wary eye on the Eastern European country.
Keep in mind, Ukraine planted 2.75 times more land area under sugar beet in 2006. Also, Ukrainian sugar beet yields are just two-thirds of EU average yields.
It could easily up the ante in the market, with further growth.
Ukrainian Agriculture
Ukraine has 41 million hectares of farmland; that`s ten times Ireland`s 4.1 million hectares. Over half of this land is farmed by 48,000 commercial farmers.
Out of these 48,000 commercial farmers:
– The top-100 farming companies, known as `Agri-Holdings,` collectively farm 6.4 million hectares (15.8 million acres). These holdings range in size from 14,000 hectares (34,600 acres), to the largest farming corporation in the country with 654,000 hectares (1.6 million acres).
– Below this there are 5,400 farms managing, on average, farms sizes of 1,950 hectares (4,815 acres).
– Rounding off the commercial farming sector are 42,700 farmers farming, on average, 108 hectares each (267 acres).
Long known as the `bread-basket of Europe,` Ukraine boasts 33% of the world`s fertile chernozem soils (a fertile black soil – rich in humus).
Looking forward to 2017 Bohdan Chomiak, of consulting agency Ukragroconsult, is confident of another good year for Ukraine`s agriculture sector.
”We expect continued growth in output, as deregulation and reforms have made it simpler for Ukrainian producers to access international best technologies.”
”As producers learn to effectively use these technologies this will lead to further growth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ukragroconsult is also running its annual grain conference at the beginning of next month. One of the largest grain conferences in Europe, the event is expected to bring together over 700 executive delegates from 500 companies – representing 50 countries.
The popularity of this event further demonstrates Ukraine`s growing influence in the agricultural sector – within and outside its own borders.
See also: Ukraine becomes global leader in flour exports
25 March 2017
That’s a really nice image, very interesting to someone like me in Texas, USA. Ukraine should be talking to Texans about agricultural trade opportunities.