Ukraine’s agri associations propose EU establish 10-year transition period to adapt to EU standards
Leading agricultural associations of Ukraine presented in Brussels a joint position on the conditions for the integration of the domestic agricultural sector into the European Union, insisting on ensuring a predictable and economically balanced transition period, the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB) reported.
According to the published document, the key requirement of Ukrainian producers is to establish a transition period of at least 10 years, starting from the moment of Ukraine's official accession to the EU. During this time, farmers plan to fully harmonize standards, particularly regarding the use of plant protection products, fertilizers and implementation of Natura 2000 environmental requirements.
The proposal also provides for granting Ukrainian farmers access to Common Agricultural Policy support mechanisms under conditions applicable to member states, with gradual increases in payments. In addition, it emphasizes the need to attract EU structural funds for infrastructure modernization and trade liberalization for products meeting European safety standards.
Ukrainian Agribusiness Club President Alex Lissitsa emphasized that this approach is a stabilization tool for the entire European food system.
"A managed transition protects the integrity of the Single Market and European farmers themselves. For example, if Ukraine is forced to quickly abandon key plant protection products before alternatives emerge, producers will start buying approved products in the EU. This will cause shortages and price spikes in the EU market," he said.
Ukrainian Agrarian Council Chairman Andriy Dykun focused on risks to small and medium-sized farms, which represent about 75% of the sector.
"Our farmers are seriously weakened by years of war, and hasty integration could destroy a significant part of the sector. The impact will extend far beyond agriculture: it will hit rural employment, tax revenues and Ukraine's overall economic resilience," the council chairman said.
Ukrainian agricultural associations expressed hope for open dialogue with their European counterparts that would allow them to "implement a format of European integration that will be mutually beneficial for both Ukraine and the European Union" and preserve the production potential of both sides.