Ukraine maintains leading positions in the production and export of cereal grains. The annual cereal crop reaches over 70 million tonnes. After meeting its domestic needs, Ukraine can export approximately 50 million tonnes of cereal grains annually.
One of the world’s leading wheat exporters, Ukraine exported 20.5 million tonnes of wheat in 2019-20, but a severe drought has led to a decline in this year’s crop. Planting for the 2021-22 season is complete. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Ukraine’s production could rise to at least 75 million tonnes due to favourable weather.
Grain exports from Ukraine have increased markedly over the past decade. Based on USDA estimates, exports to foreign markets in 2020/21 will include up to 45.8 million tonnes of Ukrainian origin, 3.8 times more than in 2010/11.
Oilseeds retain the status of the most popular crop for Ukrainian farmers because they typically offer good profitability. Over the last four years, oilseed production has stabilised at close to nine million hectares. The most popular oilseeds are sunflower, rapeseed and soya beans. Yields are growing for all oilseeds due to a combination of improved seeds, agrochemicals, machinery, the growing skills of local agronomists and more favourable growing conditions (especially for rapeseed). The main export destinations for Ukrainian oilseeds are the EU, Turkey, Egypt and Belarus.