Ukraine's Staple Cereal Prices Soar Amid Reduced Crop Acreage

The prices of staple cereals in Ukraine have remained high due to reduced acreage under key crops, according to Andrii Kupchenko, Head of the Analytical Department at APK-Inform and FAO Ukraine Technical Expert on Markets and Trade. Speaking at the Grain Processing Forum 2026 conference, he stated that production of cereal crops has declined significantly.

Buckwheat production is currently very low, at 70.8 thousand tonnes, which is a staggering 37.7% lower than in the previous season. As a result, buckwheat selling prices are increasing, with the average price reaching nearly UAH 14 thousand per tonne in 2025. Retail prices for buckwheat groats have also surged, reaching nearly UAH 80/kg, with some regions seeing a difference of up to UAH 20.

Millet production has nearly tripled in decline, estimated at 60 thousand tonnes. While this volume is still sufficient for food processing, certain signs of shortage are already emerging. The average selling price of millet reached a record level of nearly UAH 8.8 thousand per tonne by the end of 2025, with retail prices rising to a record UAH 57.1/kg in May 2026.

Barley production is also gradually declining, expected to reach 5.2 million tonnes. While there is currently no shortage for food processing, concerns have been raised about exports and how much Ukraine will be able to supply to foreign markets. Barley stocks remain sufficient to avoid concerns over food security, but prices are gradually increasing, reaching nearly UAH 26/kg in May 2026, a 7% increase from the beginning of the year.