The European Union is revising its perspectives on future food production and agricultural development. Emerging trends, notable shifts, evolving approaches, and redefined focus areas demand Ukrainian farmers and communities to closely monitor and analyse these developments, as Ukraine’s role and significance within the EU’s future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will depend on the extent to which Ukrainians will be able to take advantage of the new reality.
Understanding the implications of these changes is critical now—during negotiations on the agrarian and environmental chapters of EU integration, Ukraine will need to align not only with existing EU legal acts but also with new regulations expected to emerge shortly.
Our recent discussion platform gathered 120 participants in the hall and online, which demonstrates a genuine interest in the topic.
Indeed, following the publication of the European Commission’s Communication on the future of agriculture and the food industry in the EU a month ago (A Vision for Agriculture and Food Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations it is essential for the EU), many questions have arisen that require more detailed explanations, and most importantly, an understanding of the role and place of Ukrainian agribusiness in these forward-looking plans.
During the event, Mr. Gijs Schilthuis, Director of the Sustainability (AGRI.B), at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI), provided a detailed overview of emerging trends in EU agricultural and food policy development. Representatives from international technical assistance programs and the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine (Christian Hell, Agriculture Sector Manager), alongside Mr. Mykola Moroz, Head of the Rural Development Department at the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, outlined the ongoing steps and strategic reforms in Ukraine’s agricultural sector.
Ukraine can be the key to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal, with its EU accession presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for us” — this stands as one of the main conclusions from our project,‘Green and Inclusive Agricultural Policy: Steps Towards’.
As stakeholders, we play a crucial role in shaping the Ukrainian National CAP Strategic Plan. The circle of stakeholders is now expanding significantly, as the agricultural sector is no longer solely focused on food production. Agricultural policy has become central to sustainable rural development, climate adaptation, food security, the development of a circular economy, and the preservation of natural ecosystems. Consequently, the involvement of stakeholders from other sectors of the economy is essential.
Last year, the EU held a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Agricultural Sector. In early September, a report with recommendations for the development of the agricultural sector in the EU was published, laying the foundation for a new vision of agricultural development and food policy. The Strategic Dialogue included representatives from two major European NGOs: IFOAM Organics Europe and the European Environment Bureau (EEB). Ms. Laura Sauques, Policy Officer at IFOAM – Organics Europe, and Mr. Theo Paquet, Senior Policy Analyst for Agriculture at EEB, shared insights about their participation in the Strategic Dialogue, the roles and objectives of their organisations, and their impressions of the outcomes.
The participants in our discussion collaboratively sought answers to the following questions:
- Which key stakeholders should be involved in agricultural policymaking?
- On what platform can this engagement take place, and what is the best way to communicate their perspectives?
- How does the EU’s new vision for its agricultural sector align with Ukrainian realities? What should be considered, and what cannot be applied?
- How can we collaborate to avoid mistakes and monitor progress effectively?
Our project, ‘Green and Inclusive Agricultural Policy – Steps Towards’, builds on the Green Dossier’s long-term research into the intersections of agricultural and environmental policy. The discussion platform, ‘Ukraine’s EU Integration in the Agricultural Sector: Staying Aligned with EU Policy Changes’, serves as the final event of this project. However, our work continues as we prepare new discussions and look forward to maintaining fruitful communication.
Event materials
- Presentations (available below)
- Photos from events
- Full Video Recording
This article prepared in the frame of “Green and inclusive agricultural policy – steps towards” project implementing by ICO IC «Green Dossier» with the support of the European Union and the International Renaissance Foundation within the framework «European Renaissance of Ukraine» project.
Its content is the exclusive responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union and the International Renaissance Foundation.
