Ukrainian grain exporters are betting on Asia as the top market for their booming harvests. Grain exports will likely increase by a third to 60 million metric tonnes in the next three to five years, according to Mykola Gorbachov, president of the Ukrainian Grain Association, BlackSeaGrain reports.
The group plans to target markets in Asia with fast population growth, including China, India, Vietnam and Indonesia, according to BlackSeaGrain.
The organization wants to increase grain quality to meet Asian demand, and aims to improve crop protection against fungus and disease, such as ambrosia or mycotoxin. In the past, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe have been the main destinations for Ukrainian grain.
”We have to work more to open new markets around the world,” said Gorbachov, speaking before the Black Sea Grain conference in Kyiv. ”To this end, we need to follow international standards. It`s not only about quality, it`s also the standards of grain storage and loading throughout the logistic chain.”
Grain output may reach 90 million tonnes in the next three to five years, according to Gorbachov, who is also a director of New World Grain Ukraine, part of Soufflet Group. For the new season that starts in July, he expects exports of 40 to 45 million tonnes. Europe accounts for 30% of shipments.
”I don`t expect a big surprise for exports next season,” said Gorbachov.
The association`s members account for about 80% of Ukraine`s grain exports.
