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Ukrainian agriculture is a vital part of the country’s economy, thanks to its fertile soil, particularly the rich black soil known as chernozem. This soil is among the most productive in the world, making Ukraine a significant player in global agriculture1.
Farming Practices
Ukrainian farmers employ a variety of crop rotation schemes to maintain soil health and productivity. These rotations can range from simple two-crop systems to more complex six-year rotations that might include two consecutive years of wheat followed by a fallow period2. The use of modern farming techniques and machinery is widespread, although the ongoing conflict has caused significant disruptions34.
Major Crops
Ukraine is known for producing a variety of crops, with some of the most important being:
- Wheat: Ukraine is one of the world’s largest wheat exporters15.
- Maize (Corn): Another major export crop, maize is widely grown across the country15.
- Sunflowers: Ukraine is the top global producer of sunflower oil, with vast fields dedicated to sunflower cultivation15.
- Barley: Also a significant crop, often used for both food and brewing5.
- Soybeans and Rapeseed: These industrial crops are also important for export5.
Current Challenges
The war has severely impacted Ukrainian agriculture, with damage to farmland, equipment, and infrastructure. Farmers face challenges such as demining fields and dealing with increased costs for production and transportation34. Despite these difficulties, Ukrainian farmers continue to adapt and find ways to maintain their agricultural output.
Ukraine is a major exporter of agricultural produce. Here are some key points:
Major Exports
- Wheat: Ukraine is one of the world’s largest wheat exporters, accounting for about 10% of the global market1.
- Corn (Maize): Ukraine contributes around 15% of the world’s corn exports1.
- Sunflower Oil: Ukraine is the leading exporter of sunflower oil, holding more than 50% of the global market1.
- Barley: The country also plays a significant role in the barley market, with about 13% of global exports1.
- Rapeseed: Another important export crop2.
Recent Export Data
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has managed to maintain its agricultural exports. For example, in the 2024/2025 marketing year, Ukraine boosted its grain exports by 61%, reaching nearly 7 million tons by the end of August 20243. However, there have been some fluctuations, such as a slight decrease in maritime food exports from July to August 20244.
In August 2024, Ukraine’s maritime food exports totaled 4.13 million metric tons, a slight decrease from 4.25 million tons in July12. This included 2.18 million tons of wheat, 553,732 tons of corn, and 454,641 tons of barley2.
