1. The EU is one of the key markets for Ukrainian agribusiness
Integration into the EU is strategically important for the Ukrainian agribusiness due to the scale of the European market and the depth of existing economic ties.
The EU is today a key trading partner of Ukraine. In 2025, the share of the European Union in Ukrainian agricultural exports was 47.5% - that is, 10.7 billion US dollars. The European Union is a market with a population of about 450 million consumers with high purchasing power and stable trade rules.
Integration into the EU for the Ukrainian agribusiness is simultaneously about securing a major sales market, increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian agricultural producers, access to financial instruments to support farmers, and the transition to a more sustainable and predictable model of agricultural development.
2. After joining the EU, the Ukrainian agricultural sector will become part of the Common Agricultural Policy
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the basis of the EU agricultural system. The CAP budget is over 50 billion euros per year. This is approximately 33% of the European Union budget. The level of support for farmers in EU countries is on average about 150–200 euros per hectare (depending on the country).
For the Ukrainian agricultural sector, this means potential access to systemic long-term support, which includes funding aimed at modernizing production, greening and developing rural areas.
3. The Ukrainian agro-industrial complex already largely operates according to European rules
Ukraine has implemented about 74% of the provisions of the Association Agreement with the EU on agriculture and rural development, and 83% on food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy.
4. The main European integration change of 2026 is new standards for animal welfare
From January 1, 2026, new requirements for the welfare of farm animals during their keeping came into effect in Ukraine. Owners are responsible for the health, care and comfort of animals.
Farms must bring infrastructure, conditions of keeping, transportation of farm animals and training of personnel into line with EU standards.
5. The most critical issue is the harmonization of European legislation on the circulation and use of plant protection products
The EU has banned many active substances for plant protection products (PPPs) that are still used in Ukraine. More than 200 such substances (about 700 preparations) are in circulation in Ukraine.
The EU proposes full harmonization in the field of plant protection products by 2028. Ukraine insists on a transition period. The reasons are simple: in Ukraine, there are currently no effective alternatives to PPPs permitted in the EU on the market, which creates the need for a complete replacement of technological maps for growing major crops.
6. Ukraine is already creating institutions to work according to European rules
To participate in the SAP, it is necessary to develop a National Strategic Plan. The first step has already been taken - the Strategy for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas in Ukraine for the period up to 2030 has been approved.
A Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) is being implemented, which involves collecting economic, environmental and social data on farmers' activities in order to assess the effectiveness of the SAP.
A Paying Agency will be created to provide European financial assistance to farmers in Ukraine. At the end of October 2025, the President of Ukraine signed a law on the establishment of this institution. This agency must be accredited in the EU and meet their requirements; after which Ukrainian agricultural producers will be able to apply for financial assistance.
7. Prepare for European integration changes now
European support provides for clear rules. Not only the right of farmers to receive payments, but also the fulfillment of clear requirements for transparency, accounting and control. For farmers, this means that all data on land, livestock and production must be properly registered and confirmed.
The key condition is geospatial identification of land plots, satellite monitoring and cross-checks. Farmers must accurately declare areas, crops and types of activities, as well as be ready for automated checks.
European integration changes have already begun and are irreversible. Farmers need to prepare for them now, because building the necessary accounting, control and management systems takes time. Waiting is the worst strategy: those who adapt earlier will gain a competitive advantage and will be able not only to preserve, but also strengthen their business.
European standards open up access to markets, grants, financing and more efficient models of farming. In addition, farmers now have the opportunity to actively engage in dialogue with government agencies and experts, influence the formation of rules, and communicate their own needs while mechanisms are still being formed.
*More detailed information at the link https://eu-ua.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/yevrointegratsiya-agrosektoru-shho-tse-oznachaye-dlya-biznesu/