Ukraine expects an increase in agricultural production: an assessment by researchers
12 April 06:11
In 2026, Ukraine’s gross agricultural output is expected to increase by 2.8% compared to the previous year.
This forecast was released by the National Scientific Center “Institute of Agrarian Economics, ” reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
“The positive dynamics in the agricultural sector of the domestic economy are due to a certain stabilization of the industry as a whole and the gradual adaptation of economic entities to current challenges, primarily those related to the consequences of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022,” the report states.
At the same time, despite the expected growth, the projected figures remain 20.6% lower than the 2021 level, indicating the protracted nature of the agricultural sector’s recovery and the need for additional investment.
In crop production, output is projected to grow by 4%, driven by the preservation of export potential for grains and oilseeds. However, due to the impact of the war and external factors, planting areas for certain crops—including winter wheat, corn, and legumes—are shrinking. An additional constraining factor is the rising cost of mineral fertilizers, plant protection products, and fuel.
In contrast, livestock production is expected to decline by 2.3% compared to 2025, primarily due to a reduction in livestock numbers on private farms. At the same time, a slight increase in poultry meat and egg production is projected, while milk production will decrease by 4.3% compared to last year.
Overall, the expected production volumes in 2026 will be sufficient to meet the country’s basic domestic food needs, particularly thanks to the stabilization of grain and oilseed production. However, self-sufficiency in certain products, such as milk, beef, and wool, will remain below pre-war levels.
