Ukrainian Agricultural Sector Prepares for New Challenges After Joining the EU
The Ukrainian agricultural sector should prepare in advance for the significant changes that will arise after the country joins the European Union. Experts emphasize that adapting to new rules and standards requires a systematic approach and a well-thought-out strategy.
This is reported by AgroReview
Transition to New Rules: What Awaits the Agricultural Sector
The former Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI), Jerzy Plewa, noted that Ukraine faces a choice: whether the changes will be implemented in a timely and managed manner, or whether they will be delayed and painful for the industry. The successful experiences of countries that have already joined the EU indicate the necessity of consistent steps. In particular, it is essential to first reform institutions, then create an effective system for data collection and processing, conduct pilot projects, and only then begin active communication with agricultural sector participants.
New Requirements and Challenges for Ukraine
According to Jerzy Plewa, Ukraine is entering a different European Union than the one Poland joined at the time. It is expected that the new EU agricultural policy will be more demanding regarding budgetary issues, environmental standards, and will introduce stricter ties between financial payments and achieving specific results. At the same time, payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) alone do not open European markets — compliance of products with European standards ensures that.
“Ukraine will not be joining the same European Union that Poland once joined. The new agricultural policy will be stricter regarding budgets, environmental requirements, and will have a strict link between payments and specific results. Moreover, it is important to remember that CAP payments do not open markets; it is the compliance with European standards that does,” he explained.
Experts recommend that farmers start preparing now for the implementation of new standards to avoid risks and ensure successful integration into the European market.