What to Plant in Ukraine in 2026: Rapeseed, Sunflower, or Soybean
As of April 2026, the rapeseed market in Ukraine is in a state of uncertainty: old stocks of this crop are nearly depleted, and the demand and supply for the new harvest remain unclear. Ukrainian farmers are already forced to make decisions about which crops to plant — whether to stick with rapeseed or to bet on alternatives such as sunflower or soybean.
This is reported by AgroReview
Production Forecast and Price Situation
According to analysts’ estimates, the rapeseed harvest in Ukraine for the 2025/26 marketing year may reach 2.7–2.8 million tons, which is 9% less compared to last year. The main reasons for the decline are reduced planting areas and weather risks that affected the autumn sowing. By February, Ukraine had exported only 71,500 tons of rapeseed, and liquidity in the market remains low.
The price dynamics appear ambiguous. In Ukrainian ports, purchase prices for rapeseed are holding at around $411–415 per ton — this is $15–20 higher than last year. The European MATIF exchange is also showing strong positions: rapeseed quotes exceed 480 euros per ton, with potential growth to 490–500 euros. Demand from the EU biodiesel industry is currently stable, but sharp price fluctuations are not observed. At the same time, market participants emphasize the lack of a clear understanding of the balance between demand and supply at the beginning of the new season.
“Rapeseed remains a profitable crop, but it requires moisture during sowing. Alternatives are sunflower and soybean; however, soybean in Ukraine is priced $30–50/ton lower than rapeseed.”
Farmers’ Choices: Risks and Alternatives
For producers determining the crop structure for 2026, experts advise paying attention to the characteristics of each crop. Rapeseed remains profitable, but its cultivation requires sufficient moisture at the start. Among the alternatives are sunflower, which is traditionally popular in Ukraine, and soybean. However, it should be noted that the export price for soybean is currently lower than for rapeseed, lagging by $30–50 per ton.
The current situation in the rapeseed market, as well as the dynamics of prices and yields, forces farmers to carefully assess the risks and prospects of each crop to ensure maximum profitability in the new season.