Ukrainian farmers to benefit from EU Association Agreement

During the round table "Agricultural sector of Ukraine on its way to the European integration," Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Prysyazhnyuk expressed confidence that Ukraine will be able to substantially increase exports of agricultural products after the signing of the EU Association Agreement. According to him, it will be possible due to abolition by the EU of import tariffs for 83% of domestic agricultural products, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.

Experts agree. After the signing of the Association Agreement, Ukrainian farmers will be able to export to one of the largest and solvent markets in the world.  During the 10 months of 2013, Ukraine exported agricultural produce for 13.5 billion USD. Also – and this is especially important - Ukrainian producers increase exports of ready foods, including to the EU countries. 

Experts say that Ukraine has enormous agricultural potential. It is one thing to export raw materials, and it is quite different to export finished products. This gives manufacturers along the entire process chain a significantly higher level of profits. Specifically, it helps boost both foreign currency inflows into the country, and revenues in the state budget.

In January-August 2013, the exports of ready food products were up 166.5 million USD, or 7.9% year-on-year. And in 2012, compared with 2009, the exports of ready foods grew by 67%, or by over 1.4 billion USD.

Such success of domestic companies that produce ready foods, according to experts, is the benchmark for other businesses, an indicator of success that can be achieved, if products are made according to European standards.