Buckwheat in Shortage: Reasons for the Record Drop in Yield and Price Increase in 2026
Ukraine is on the brink of a serious food crisis due to a record drop in buckwheat yield — one of the key socially important crops. Following the last season, buckwheat harvesting decreased by almost nine times compared to the best years, leading to a shortage in the domestic market and a surge in prices.
This is reported by AgroReview
Reasons for the Yield Collapse and Price Increase
The sharp reduction in buckwheat harvest is a result of not only unfavorable weather conditions but also a decreased interest among farmers in cultivating it due to low profitability in previous years. As a result, by early March 2026, the price of buckwheat groats had already exceeded 50 hryvnias per kilogram, while just in the fall of 2025, it was around 30 hryvnias. Experts believe that this price dynamic is a direct manifestation of the raw material shortage in the market.
Analysts emphasize that the situation is unprecedented for Ukraine, which has traditionally been among the top three largest exporters of buckwheat in the world alongside China and the aggressor country. Now, the country is forced to confront its own inability to meet domestic demand.
Dependence on Imports and Challenges for Producers
Agricultural sector specialists predict that Ukraine will have to resort to significant imports of buckwheat. This is an atypical step for a country with a traditionally strong agricultural sector. Despite the fact that buckwheat is grown in 24 countries worldwide, finding a product that meets Ukrainian quality and price requirements will be challenging.
Additional pressure on the cost of groats is exerted by rising logistics and energy prices, which only intensifies the cost trend. Experts warn: if the government does not introduce special incentives to encourage farmers to return to buckwheat cultivation, the crop risks becoming a scarce and niche product.
The current situation is already forcing farmers to rethink their strategies for the 2026 sowing campaign. Although attractive prices motivate a return to buckwheat cultivation, the risks associated with climate remain high. According to experts, buckwheat prices could rise to the level of premium products if new ways to fill the market are not found or state reserves are not utilized in the coming months.
“We warned in February: Buckwheat is rapidly becoming more expensive and even surpasses the psychological threshold.”