The 2026 Sowing Campaign Will Increase by 15% and Lead to Higher Food Prices

The cost of the sowing campaign in 2026 for Ukrainian farmers will significantly rise to about 700 billion UAH (approximately $17 billion), which is 15% more compared to last year. This was reported by the Deputy Head of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, Denys Marchuk.

This is reported by AgroReview

Main Factors Behind the Price Increase

According to the expert, the key reasons for the increase in costs are the rising prices of fuel (by 10-15%), mineral fertilizers (by 20%), as well as the increased costs of plant protection products and seeds. Collectively, this will lead to an increase in the cost of growing major crops, which will affect the final price of food products.

“The difficulties that arise are that this season the sowing campaign will be more expensive. In total, it will cost Ukrainian producers around 700 billion UAH to approach these works. Accordingly, this will reflect in the final price of food products,” the expert stated.

The increase in prices for key resources will lead to a rise in food prices within 3-5%. This increase is already being factored into the cost of produced goods in the market.

Weather Conditions and Features of This Year’s Sowing

Due to unfavorable weather and the presence of snow cover in some regions, the start of the sowing campaign is expected to be delayed by almost two weeks. Meanwhile, in the southern part of the country, farmers have already begun spring fieldwork.

The structure of the crops will remain traditional: the main crops will be sunflower, corn, spring wheat, barley, soybeans, and buckwheat. At the same time, due to climate change, farmers are increasingly experimenting with growing niche crops, particularly chickpeas.

Denys Marchuk emphasized the importance of government support for farmers, especially in frontline regions, where there are additional challenges for conducting agricultural work.