Grain Ukraine Conference 2025: Navigating Conflict, Climate, and Global Shifts with Resilience and Innovation

Image: Grain Ukraine 2025

The 10th anniversary of the Grain Ukraine Conference brought together the brightest minds and key players of the agribusiness world under one roof, reaffirming Ukraine’s pivotal role in global food security amid unprecedented challenges. Held under the theme of resilience and transformation, the landmark event served as a vital platform for discussing the country’s agricultural future in the face of war, climate change, macroeconomic instability, and evolving trade landscapes.

The annual event, organized by IdeasFirst and supported by general partners Atria Brokers, Ukreximbank, and FAMSUN, marked a decade of influential dialogue among stakeholders across the grain value chain. This year’s conference was particularly momentous, with participation from senior government officials, agribusiness leaders, financial experts, and international partners, all focused on one central question: how can Ukraine’s agricultural sector continue to thrive in an environment defined by volatility?

Andrey Stavnitser, co-owner and CEO of TIS port and founder of the Superhumans Center, opened the conference with powerful remarks underscoring the sector’s vital importance to Ukraine’s economy and identity. “The Ukrainian agrarian sector remains a critical driver of foreign trade. Grain has kept us afloat and helped preserve not only agricultural teams but also those from industries such as metallurgy and logistics,” he said.

Stavnitser’s remarks captured the unique pressure on Ukrainian farmers, who continue to export 100% of their grain surplus despite operating under the war. Their perseverance has helped sustain both the national economy and global food supply chains.

The multifaceted challenges confronting Ukrainian agriculture were highlighted throughout the event. Petr Krogman, Owner of Agromino and President of the Czech-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, painted a sobering picture: “In some parts of Kharkiv region, there was no sowing at all this year. At Agromino, we’ve reduced our planting area to 6,000 hectares. Without support, these regions risk being lost not only to agriculture but to investment altogether.”

Krogman also emphasized the need for a comprehensive tax reform aligned with European standards. The absence of a corporate income tax under Ukraine’s simplified taxation model, he noted, sends a negative signal to European investors accustomed to different financial frameworks.

Adding to the difficulties are the effects of climate change, which are reshaping growing zones and challenging traditional crop management. Oleg Zapletnyuk, CEO of TAS Agro, noted that “Sunflowers have already migrated westward. What used to be typical for Mykolaiv—heatwaves, moisture deficits—is now characteristic of Vinnytsia.” His company has responded by adopting strip-till technology, which enhances resource efficiency and conserves moisture.

Svitlana Nikitiuk, Head of Agrarian Affairs at Epicenter K, emphasized a diversified approach to address both wartime and climate-related uncertainties: “Over 20% of our workforce is currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We’re upgrading equipment, introducing precision seeders, and planning an industrial park. This isn’t a side project—it’s a systemic response to vulnerabilities.”

Beyond the borders of Ukraine, macroeconomic and geopolitical upheaval is reshaping the grain trade. Jonathan Grange, partner at Sunstone Brokers, offered a macro-level analysis of the current climate: “We are witnessing the onset of a new Cold War… Agribusiness now finds itself at the crossroads of global conflicts, technological upheaval, and a reordering of the world system.”
These global dynamics have real-world consequences for Ukrainian agribusiness, from rising costs to logistical disruptions. IMF Resident Representative Priscilla Toffano reinforced the urgency of the situation, highlighting how war-related disruptions continue to affect financing and export channels.

“Despite these hurdles, the IMF remains committed to supporting Ukraine. Strengthening export potential is essential,” Toffano said. Agriculture accounts for 60% of Ukraine’s exports and employs 15% of the population—clearly making it a cornerstone of the country’s recovery and growth.

Vitaliy Koval, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, encouraged stakeholders to also look inward: “Ukraine has not only export potential but also untapped domestic niches—especially in vegetable production, where a significant share is currently imported.”

From Farm to Port: The Logistics Challenge

A major focus of this year’s conference was logistics, which remains a decisive factor for the entire agricultural value chain. With port restrictions, infrastructure damage, and high-risk transit corridors, traditional models no longer suffice.

“Margin will be where leaders appear—those who offer not cheaper, but differently,” said Mykola Gorbachov, President of the Ukrainian Grain Association, during a panel on logistics.

Oleksandr Ivashyna, Logistics & Supply Chain Director at Bunge Ukraine, echoed this sentiment: “Port export restrictions became one of our greatest challenges. Plan B has long become Plan A. We now operate on short-term planning cycles, often no longer than four weeks, and choose partners based on service reliability—not just price.”

Victoria Blazhko of ASAP Agri emphasized that Ukraine’s grain exports are regaining strength, with 2023/2024 marketing season exports reaching 70 countries, including key destinations like Turkey, Pakistan, and Algeria. However, trade dynamics are constantly evolving.
“Corn demand returned faster than expected, but new price structures and strong competition from U.S. suppliers require Ukrainian exporters to be more flexible than ever,” Blazhko noted. As the 2025/2026 season approaches, adaptability to shifting market conditions will be crucial.

Another key theme was the importance of collaboration in building a more resilient agribusiness sector. “Our goal is for farmers to produce efficiently while maintaining fair prices,” said Oleksandr Golovin, Commercial Director for Ukraine at Kernel. “We’re seeking growth opportunities domestically, especially through technology.”

Panelists pointed out that despite the registration of over 3,000 agricultural cooperatives in Ukraine, legal barriers and poor public perception hinder their effectiveness. Nonetheless, cooperation has proven to be a survival mechanism during the war.
“Cooperation is what helped us survive during the war. It enables better risk management, broader capabilities, and access to new frontiers,” said Yuriy Skichko, CEO of Hermes-Trading LLC.

Oilseeds and the Shifting Global Market

In a detailed analysis of oilseed market dynamics, Thomas Mielke, Editor-in-Chief of OIL WORLD, warned that traditional balances are breaking down. “Soy and palm oil are no longer the ‘perfect pair’ of past decades. A slowdown in palm oil production opens opportunities for Ukrainian sunflower and rapeseed,” he explained. Yet, logistical bottlenecks and low EU competitiveness still hinder Ukrainian producers.

As Ukraine deepens ties with the European Union, the integration of its agricultural sector into EU frameworks becomes increasingly critical. While Ukrainian producers already rank among the top five exporters of several crops to Europe, there remain major challenges in meeting regulatory standards.

Iain Dykes of JTZE Horní Moštěnice highlighted the complexities of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): “The CAP aims to balance food security, regional development, and environmental goals, but these often conflict—especially when applied across a diverse EU.”

Bjoern Stendel, CEO of Getreide AG Ukraine, emphasized the importance of adapting to EU norms: “You cannot export products that contain banned substances. We help producers adjust—this is about more than compliance; it’s about building trust.”

Andrii Teliupa, Deputy Minister of Economy, underscored the need for value-added production. “Ukraine must transition from raw exports to processed goods. The EU is providing funds for this direction, and the IFC has pledged up to €5 billion in investments,” he said.
He also highlighted reforms in the affordable loans program and encouraged businesses to explore equity financing, rather than relying solely on debt.

However, as Alla Biniashvili of OTP Bank pointed out, deals above $15 million remain rare due to macro instability. “We need a stable currency, robust insurance systems, and easier capital access for investment to grow,” she said.

Andrii Moisieienko of Ukreximbank added that internal banking procedures also need simplification: “The credit cycle can take 3–4 months—this must change if we’re to support urgent development.”

The conference concluded with a clear message: the path to profitability lies not in waiting for favorable conditions but in proactively shaping them. Efficiency, adaptability, cooperation, technology, and transparency must drive the Ukrainian agricultural sector forward.