Shmyhal calls speculation that Ukrainian food harms farmers in neighboring countries

Talks about Ukrainian food harming farmers in Poland, Slovakia, or Hungary are speculation. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at a government meeting.

“Our grain does not significantly affect prices in neighboring countries, while our farmers are in a much worse and more difficult situation than their Western counterparts… In the context of the Russian Black Sea blockade, during almost daily attacks on our granaries and ports… In a situation where the support of our security and defense forces directly depends on our income, we need agricultural exports,” the Prime Minister said.

He thanked his partners from the European Commission for “coordination in the export of Ukrainian agricultural products” and emphasized that Ukraine does not have and has never had the goal of harming farmers in neighboring countries. “Ukraine is grateful for everything our partners do for us. For the assistance with weapons, for accepting Ukrainian women and children, for humanitarian and financial support,” the Prime Minister said.

Shmyhal emphasized that in order to resolve the grain crisis, Ukraine presented its plan, which was supported by the European Commission. It is a mechanism for verification and authorization of four types of agricultural products.

“On September 28, there will be the next meeting of the coordination platform for export and transit, where we will finalize these proposals so that the plan can take effect as soon as possible. 4 countries have reviewed the Ukrainian plan, expressed their constructive comments and suggestions, and are ready for discussion. And only one country is against it. Unfortunately… We have neither a logical nor an economic explanation for this,” Shmyhal added.

He noted that the Cabinet of Ministers is currently approving a resolution to introduce a mechanism for verification and approval of four groups of Ukrainian agricultural exports to five neighboring countries.

“We are already preparing to sign such documents with Romania and Bulgaria. These countries did not violate the EU trade rules and the Association Agreement and did not impose unilateral restrictions,” the Prime Minister said.

As a reminder, Ukraine has developed a procedure for verification of exports of 4 agricultural crops in accordance with the decision of the European Commission. Our country currently does not export agricultural products to 5 neighboring countries without their approval.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, Poland, restrictions