News in Brief:
– Ukraine’s resurgence in maize exports post-war is unsettling EU farmers, prompting concerns about market saturation and policy coherence.
– Calls for integrating Ukraine into the EU present a potential solution to stabilise maize production and reduce dependency on external suppliers like Ukraine and Brazil.
European maize producers are facing a new challenge as Ukraine resumes its maize exports post-war, putting pressure on local markets and sparking concerns among EU farmers. Despite the war disruptions, Ukraine’s maize exports are bouncing back to pre-war levels, with the port of Odessa leading the charge, according to a news report. Other ports like Izmail and Reni are also ramping up operations, attracting investors and boosting maize shipments.
The EU’s decision to exempt Ukraine from customs duties has stirred unease among European farmers, particularly in Poland. Safeguard mechanisms have been put in place to regulate maize imports, reflecting anxieties about the influx of Ukrainian maize. EU politicians, including Romanian MEP Dacian Ciolos, are urging for coherent policies to address the maize influx. The exclusion of wheat from regulatory measures has been criticised as inconsistent, given the surge in wheat imports from Ukraine.
With European maize production stagnating, experts see Ukraine’s integration into the EU as a potential solution. This move could significantly boost maize production in the EU, reducing dependence on imports from Ukraine and Brazil.
Ciolos (mentioned above) suggests appointing a special envoy to Ukraine to oversee integration efforts and ensure policy coherence. This approach could help maximise the benefits of Ukraine’s agricultural sector while supporting EU production goals. Despite the challenges, maize production in Ukraine remains stable, largely unaffected by the war. Arthur Portier predicts that production levels will stabilize in the coming seasons, providing some reassurance to EU farmers.
