Buckwheat prices are rising, but there is no shortage – the Ministry of Economy explains the situation
27 March 16:59
The rise in buckwheat prices in Ukraine is temporary and is linked to last year’s lower harvest and a seasonal reduction in stockpiles. At the same time, there is no actual shortage of the product on the market. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture
Taras Vysotsky, as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to him, the market situation may stabilize after the new harvest, when farmers increase their planting areas.
Why has buckwheat become more expensive?
According to Taras Vysotsky, several factors have caused the rise in retail prices:
- a smaller buckwheat harvest in 2025;
- seasonal reduction in stocks ahead of the new harvest;
- limited import capacity.
As a result, stocks at the end of the marketing year were lower than usual.
At the same time, the ministry emphasizes that the product remains affordable and there is no shortage on the market.
A niche product with cyclical production
Buckwheat is considered a niche crop in Ukraine, with production exhibiting a certain cyclicality.
According to government estimates:
- production may decline approximately once every five years;
- this is due to climatic and natural factors;
- afterward, production usually recovers, and prices fall.
According to government officials, this is exactly the situation being observed this year.
What will happen to prices next
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine expects the market situation to gradually stabilize after the new harvest.
The forecast for 2026 calls for:
- an increase in planted acreage by 15–20%;
- production at a level of about 95% of domestic consumption.
According to government estimates, this should help avoid a shortage and stabilize prices.
The planting season is underway
Meanwhile, the spring planting season has already begun in Ukraine.
According to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine:
- farmers in 17 regions have joined the planting campaign;
- 180,100 hectares have been sown with spring crops.
