Western Ukrainian Farmers Actively Transition to Growing Oilseed Flax

In western Ukraine, oilseed flax became one of the most profitable crops in February 2026, gradually displacing traditional grains — wheat and corn. Over the past year, the export price of flax to EU countries reached 60,000 hryvnias per ton, allowing farmers to achieve significantly higher incomes and offset high logistics costs.

This is reported by AgroReview

Economic Advantages of Growing Flax

In the context of constantly rising transportation costs to the western border or ports, growing traditional crops is becoming increasingly unprofitable. This is especially true for corn, where logistics costs can take up to half of the potential profit. Oilseed flax, due to its high unit value, provides significantly better economic returns: a ton of this crop is nearly three times more expensive than a ton of corn, thus the share of transportation costs in the overall cost structure is much lower.

• Favorable Logistics: transporting one wagon or truck of flax requires lower percentage costs relative to the value of the product compared to other crops.
• Lack of Strict Restrictions: oilseed flax is not subject to strict quotas and import restrictions in Poland and Hungary, unlike wheat or sunflower. European processors note a shortage of this raw material, which is used in the production of varnishes, paints, and dietary food products.

Climate Resilience and Expansion of Cultivation

Flax demonstrates high adaptability to the climatic features of western Ukraine. In February 2026, the plant confirmed its resilience to temperature fluctuations and frost. Additionally, it is characterized by drought resistance, which is critically important for the southern regions of the area — the Zalishchyky and Buchach directions, where recent seasons have recorded a moisture deficit during spring sowing.

“We see farmers reassessing their crop rotations right now, in February. Instead of risky barley or low-margin corn, the area under flax in the communities of the region is increasing by 30-40% compared to last year,” market experts note.