Oilseed Flax Production in Ukraine Reaches Highest Level Since 2017

The Ukrainian oilseed flax market is demonstrating a steady recovery process, contributing to the growth of sown areas and the expansion of niche opportunities for small and medium agricultural producers. The crop is regaining its position in the structure of agricultural sowings, forming a promising segment for farmers.

This is reported by AgroReview

Flax Exports Set New Records

According to analyst Svitlana Kuprieieva, over 80% of the harvest of Ukrainian oilseed flax in the 2024/25 marketing year is being sold in external markets. Exports have become a key factor in the industry’s development: during the years of full-scale war, its share in total production has more than doubled. This trend opens up new opportunities for expanding production and processing of the crop.

“With support for exports and the development of processing, flax has the potential to establish itself as a promising alternative crop for the northern regions of the country, which are increasingly facing weather risks,” the analyst believes.

Geopolitical Changes Affect Demand

The increase in demand for Ukrainian flax is driven by changes in the global market: after the onset of full-scale war, European Union countries reduced their purchases of flax from Russia and shifted to alternative suppliers, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Canada. This dynamic fosters the growth of exports and strengthens Ukraine’s position as an important player in the global flax market.

In the 2024/25 marketing year, the gross harvest of oilseed flax in Ukraine is estimated to exceed 66 thousand tons — the highest figure since the 2017/18 marketing year. This significant growth has been made possible by the increase in sown areas and improved yields.

• Over 80% of the flax harvested this season has already been directed to export.
• Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the share of exports has more than doubled.

The main buyers of Ukrainian flax remain EU countries, particularly Italy, Poland, and Belgium. Despite a partial recovery in yields in the 2024/25 marketing year, the potential for the crop to grow remains significant.