Loading Capacities for Oilseed Processing in Ukraine Reached a Record
In Ukraine, 2026 has seen a record loading of capacities for oilseed processing. This result has been achieved thanks to innovations in legislation regarding the export of soybeans and rapeseed, which have allowed domestic enterprises to ensure a stable supply of raw materials.
This is reported by AgroReview
Changes in Approaches to Agricultural Policy
The Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, Oleksiy Sobolev, reported that the key task of state policy is to move away from a raw material-based economic model. The authorities are encouraging the processing of cultivated products directly within Ukraine, so that ready-made products with added value are exported.
“From the perspective of stimulating processing, the effect is measurable. Capacity utilization has increased, and oilseed processing is currently at its highest level in recent years. This indicates that the market has responded exactly as intended by the logic of the norm,” noted Oleksiy Sobolev.
Yield indicators also demonstrate significant growth. If in 2021 the total harvest of soybeans and rapeseed was 6.4 million tons, by 2025 this figure had risen to 8 million tons. According to the minister, these crops do not require additional incentives for cultivation. At the same time, the introduction of similar export duties for other crops is not currently being considered, as there is no imbalance in these markets.
Prospects for the Development of the Processing Industry
The government identifies promising crops for processing development, such as flax, industrial hemp, and peas. Factories for processing hemp are already being built in industrial parks, as well as enterprises for producing bio-adhesives from peas. Businesses can take advantage of various support programs, including loans at 5-7-9% and state assistance for large-scale investment projects under the “Made in Ukraine” initiative.
In 2026, the government plans to focus on ensuring the stable operation of the export duty system and verifying producers. To obtain a duty exemption, farmers need to register in the State Agricultural Register “DAR” and submit an application with information about their crops and harvest. The system conducts automatic data verification through customs and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This allows honest producers to quickly obtain the necessary documents while minimizing the risk of abuse.