Russia’s Aggression and Its Impact on Ukrainian Agro-Exports According to estimates by the KSE Institute, the war has inflicted direct damages and losses of $83.1 billion on Ukraine’s agricultural sector. Continuous shelling and workforce mobilization have created unprecedented challenges for Ukrainian agriculture. Before 2022, 90% of Ukraine’s grain exports were shipped through seaports. However, port blockades and infrastructure destruction have led to supply chain instability and reduced competitiveness for Ukrainian producers. For example, Turkey, once a key buyer of Ukrainian grain, has shifted to sourcing from Brazil and Russia since 2024. Russia is waging not only a military offensive but also an economic war, manipulating grain prices. By dumping its grain at lower prices, Russia is pushing Ukrainian exporters out of key markets.

A crucial step in mitigating this issue is the development of corporate universities and training programs for agricultural specialists. NGO SVIT.UA is actively advocating for government-backed grant programs to support workforce training, as professional education is key to ensuring the agricultural sector operates effectively according to international standards.

Labor Shortages: A Critical Issue in the Agricultural Sector During Wartime Beyond logistical challenges, the agricultural sector faces one of its most serious problems—a shortage of skilled labor. The war and ongoing mobilization have significantly reduced the number of specialists, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of Ukraine’s agricultural sector. Under current mobilization rules, only large agricultural enterprises cultivating over 500 hectares of land are eligible for "critical business" status, allowing them to retain their workforce. In contrast, small farms, which make up the majority of agricultural producers and processors, receive little support, severely limiting their ability to remain resilient during the war. This situation threatens both food security and the long-term stability of the agricultural industry.

Challenges in State Support and Insurance for Farmers

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Despite the critical role of agro-exports, government support for the sector remains insufficient. Most state funding is directed toward agricultural giants, while small and medium-sized businesses struggle under difficult conditions. NGO SVIT.UA strongly advocates for risk insurance for farmers, the reinstatement of state support for small and medium-sized agricultural producers, and the creation of effective compensation mechanisms for losses caused by military actions.

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Despite all the challenges, agriculture remains the backbone of Ukraine’s economy. In 2024, agro-exports amounted to $24.5 billion, representing 59% of Ukraine’s total exports.

Future Prospects: Ukrainian Agro-Exports Continue to Grow

A significant factor in this growth has been the recovery of port cargo turnover. By 2025, this figure reached a record 97.2 million tons, compared to 62 million tons in 2023. The reopening of maritime routes has enabled a 25% increase in exports, reaching 48.9 million tons in the first nine months of 2024.

Further stabilization of logistics chains, the reopening of Mykolaiv’s ports, and the expansion of railway routes will enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian agricultural products on the global market.

Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine remains a key player in global food markets. The stability of agro-exports is not only vital for Ukraine’s economy but also a critical factor in global food security.

NGO SVIT.UA continues to strengthen international partnerships to ensure that Ukrainian farmers’ voices are heard worldwide. Our goal is to create conditions where Ukrainian agribusiness does not just adapt to challenges but emerges stronger from them.

Logistics is evolving, but it is not stopping. And neither should we!