Prices of Previously Affordable Cereals in Ukraine Rise Amid Signs of Shortages

This was stated by Andrii Kupchenko, Head of the Analytical Department at APK-Inform and FAO Ukraine Technical Expert on Markets and Trade, during the Grain Processing Forum 2026 conference organised by the Union of Flour Millers of Ukraine together with FAO Ukraine as part of Agro Ukraine Week.

«For example, buckwheat production is currently very low, at 70.8 thousand tonnes, which is 37.7% lower than in the previous season. As production declines, buckwheat selling prices are increasing. The average selling price in 2025 rose to nearly UAH 14 thousand per tonne. As for retail prices, there are signs of a shortage of buckwheat groats, which has pushed the price to nearly UAH 80/kg. Across different regions of Ukraine, the price difference for buckwheat groats reaches UAH 20,» said Andrii Kupchenko.

He added that millet production has also nearly tripled in decline and is estimated at 60 thousand tonnes. This volume is still sufficient for food processing, although certain signs of shortage are already emerging.

«The decline in millet production has affected prices, which are gradually increasing. By the end of 2025, the average selling price of millet reached a record level of nearly UAH 8.8 thousand per tonne. Retail prices for millet groats in Ukraine are also rising. It used to be one of the cheapest cereals, but in May 2026 the price climbed to a record UAH 57.1/kg,» Andrii Kupchenko said.

The expert also noted that barley production is gradually declining to 5.2 million tonnes. There is currently no shortage for food processing; the main issue concerns exports and how much Ukraine will be able to supply to foreign markets. According to the analyst, barley stocks remain sufficient to avoid concerns over food security.

«Barley groats remain among the least expensive cereals on the market, but prices are gradually increasing here as well. In May 2026, the average price reached nearly UAH 26/kg, which is 7% higher than at the beginning of the year,» the expert noted.

Viktoriia Polevyk, AgroPortal.ua