Over 10 moths of the current year, Ukraine exported agricultural products at USD 13.5 billion. And following signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union, this index will substantially grow - the EU will cancel import duties for 83% of national agricultural products.

Agricultural Policy and Food Minister Mykola Prysiazhniuk told this at a round table “Agricultural sector of Ukraine on the way toward European integration,” the ministry's press service told Ukrinform.

“Every year, export of Ukrainian agricultural products grows to the EU. And over third of Ukraine's foreign trade turnover now falls on the European Union. I want to note that Ukraine became a leader among exporters of soft wheat to the European market this year. Signing of the association will considerably expand access of Ukrainian goods to this market. Thus, following this document comes into force, the EU immediately cancels import duties for 83% of agricultural products,” the official stressed.

He noted that Ukrainian agricultural producers will receive possibility of export to one of the world's largest and solvent markets.

According to the Minister, Ukraine made its approaches to formation of the agricultural policy maximum closer to European. “Main provisions of the Ukrainian strategy of the agricultural sector development until 2020 comply with the EU common agricultural policy for 2014-2020.

And common are the priorities of agricultural development, raising of competitiveness of farmers and their attraction to the value added tax chains, guaranteeing of safety of agricultural products. In addition, development of partnership relations with processing enterprises will be stimulated in Ukraine. And the main thing consists in the fact that the priority will be given to support of the farmers,” Prysiazhniuk summed up.

ukrinform.ua