"Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe" - this is how one of the titles that belongs to modern Ukraine sounds. Despite the fact that this state has a fairly strong industrial-agrarian economy, agriculture occupies a high position and provides a large share of GDP (as of 2018, this figure reached 17%) and an inflow of foreign currency (38%) through exports.
The main drivers of Ukrainian agriculture
There are many reasons for the high level of agricultural development in Ukraine. The key ones are:
- Favorable temperate climate with ample rainfall (excluding southern regions).
- Fertile soil and plenty of arable land.
- Developed and well-thought-out infrastructure, advantageous territorial location and access to two seas.
- A high percentage of rural citizens who are directly or indirectly involved in agriculture.
It is worth noting that crop production in financial terms significantly exceeds that of livestock.
Highest percentage of arable land
Ukraine has the largest (in Europe) area of arable land, which is equal to more than twenty percent of their total. At the same time, 60% of them are represented by fertile chernozem, which has a beneficial effect on crop production. Therefore, companies such as Ekipagro actively provide agricultural machinery and components.
Cereals (54% of the total) and legumes, sugar beets, potatoes and sunflowers are key crop groups grown in Ukraine.
Second largest grain exporter
Last marketing year, Ukraine exported 17.6 million tons of corn, second only to the United States (49.8 million tons).
Third place in rapeseed export
For the period 2017-2018, global rapeseed exports reached 16.5 million tons. Canada is in first place (67%), Australia is in second (16%), and Ukraine is in third with 13%. However, this indicator is three times (!) Higher than that of the countries occupying all other positions.
Fourth place in walnut cultivation
In 2017, more than 108,000 tons of walnuts were grown, which is the fourth largest in the world.
Highest income from sunflower oil
Despite the record export of cereals, most of the export proceeds comes from sunflower oil. As you know, raw materials are cheaper than goods with a high added value, and sunflower seed oil belongs to them.
