A recent study conducted by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Global Fund for Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), administered by the World Bank, and the Ukrainian Club of Agrarian Business (UKAB), sheds light on the challenging landscape faced by Ukraine’s agricultural sector. The report, aptly named “UKRAINE: Impact of War on the Profitability of Agricultural Production,” provides valuable insights into the repercussions of the ongoing conflict on agricultural profitability.
The Study’s Findings
According to the study’s findings, the agricultural sector has been grappling with significant losses, particularly in the cultivation of grain and oil crops. Nevertheless, it predicts a decline in these losses by the end of 2023. Despite this glimmer of hope, the production of three out of the five main crops is expected to remain unprofitable. The study reveals that profits are expected from the cultivation of soybeans, a crop that currently occupies only 11% of the total cultivated area.
Additionally, the production of sunflower seeds is projected to yield a small profit. On the other hand, livestock production is anticipated to remain generally profitable, with the exception of livestock rearing by live weight.
Key Factors Influencing Profitability
The study highlights several factors that have had a significant impact on the profitability of Ukraine’s agricultural sector between 2022 and 2023. These factors include:
- Export Logistics: Disruptions in export logistics have posed a formidable challenge for Ukrainian agriculture. Before the full-scale Russian invasion, 95% of grain and oil crops were exported through Black Sea ports. However, from February to August 2022, the transportation of agricultural products was rerouted through Danube ports, railways, and roads to or through EU countries, resulting in substantially higher transportation and transshipment costs.
- Devaluation of the Hryvnia: The devaluation of the national currency, the hryvnia, has added to the woes of Ukrainian farmers. A weakened currency affects the purchasing power of farmers and their ability to invest in their operations.
- Price Increases for Resources: A considerable increase in prices for material and technical resources, including fuel, fertilizers, and plant protection products, has significantly impacted production costs. The complications in the logistics of importing these resources have further exacerbated the situation.
- Energy Prices: The agricultural sector in Ukraine has had to contend with high energy prices, particularly in 2022, leading to additional costs for fuel and other energy resources.
- Financing and Loans: Access to financing and available loans play a crucial role in the profitability of the sector. The study highlights the importance of having a reliable source of financing to sustain agricultural operations.
- Weather Conditions: As in any agricultural region, weather conditions and their impact on crop yields remain a critical factor influencing profitability.
- Hryvnia Exchange Rate: The dynamics of the hryvnia exchange rate are closely monitored as they have a direct impact on the cost of imports and exports.
The study underscores the resilience of Ukraine’s agricultural sector in the face of numerous challenges. Despite adversity, Ukrainian farmers have continued to produce and export essential crops. However, the study’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the need for a stable operating environment, reliable export routes, and adequate access to resources for the sector to thrive. As Ukraine navigates these challenging times, a deeper understanding of the forces influencing agricultural profitability is crucial for shaping policies and strategies to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
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