Ukraine's Agricultural Sector Braces for Worst Harvest Season Yet

The agricultural sector in Ukraine is facing unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing port blockade. Ivan Slobodyanik, head of the All-Ukrainian Farmers' Congress, warned that the current crisis is more severe than the one in 2022, when ports were blocked but land logistics continued to operate.

Harvesting has begun, with wheat, rapeseed, and barley being among the first crops harvested. However, port operations have effectively ground to a halt due to constant shelling of the Kherson region by drones that set crops on fire.

The situation is compounded by hits on port infrastructure and bridges leading to Romania through Moldova, causing ship owners to refuse entry into Ukrainian ports due to physical danger.

As a result, grain prices have plummeted below production costs, making it difficult for farmers to break even. Slobodyanik noted that this is just the beginning of the harvesting campaign, with corn and sunflower harvesting still ahead.