Ukraine and Poland Seek Ways to Increase Transit of Agricultural Products

This was emphasised by Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi during a meeting with representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ukraine, according to the ministry’s press service.

The parties discussed the consequences of Russian attacks on the ports of Greater Odesa and agricultural infrastructure, opportunities to expand alternative routes for Ukrainian agricultural exports, as well as further Ukrainian-Polish cooperation in agricultural recovery, attracting investment and implementing joint projects.

«Our main goal is to make maximum use of logistics opportunities for the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products. Transit will be beneficial for everyone, especially under the current conditions, when maritime logistics have become significantly more complicated and expensive due to Russian attacks. It is important to jointly assess where transit capacity for products can be increased, involving Ukrzaliznytsia, customs, border, veterinary and phytosanitary services,» Taras Vysotskyi noted.

According to Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Denys Bashlyk, the main goal now is to do everything possible to restore the operation of the humanitarian maritime corridor and help Ukrainian farmers withstand this period. Therefore, among the main objectives is establishing alternative export routes, in particular through the Solidarity Lanes and ports of other countries. One such option could be the ports of Gdańsk, Szczecin, Świnoujście and Gdynia. At the same time, it is important to assess the cost of such a route and its economic feasibility for Ukrainian exports.

The parties also discussed providing Ukrainian farmers with crop storage capacity. According to estimates by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, the storage capacity deficit in November could range from 7.5–8 million tonnes to 11 million tonnes.

The parties also discussed providing farmers with working capital. Due to complications with exports, Ukrainian producers may face a shortage of financing for autumn fieldwork and the spring sowing campaign. The Government of Ukraine is expanding lending programmes for farmers and working with international partners on the possibility of compensating interest rates on such loans.