The chapter traces Ukraine’s transformation from a Soviet-style agricultural system into one of the world’s leading grain exporters. It describes how collectivized farms were dismantled after independence, leading to a dual agrarian structure of large agroholdings alongside millions of small household producers. The authors outline how policy reforms—such as land privatization, decentralization, and the eventual opening of a land sales market in 2021—were shaped by political struggles between domestic interest groups, oligarchs, and international donors. Despite early declines in output during the 1990s, productivity and exports recovered strongly after 2000, with crops driving growth while livestock lagged behind. Today, Ukrainian agriculture faces major challenges: EU integration pressures, the devastation caused by Russia’s war (including land loss, infrastructure destruction, and disrupted exports), and looming climate change risks. The authors conclude that Ukraine’s future agricultural success will depend on balancing competitiveness in global markets with equity, sustainability, and inclusive governance.

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Ukraine: Becoming an Agricultural Powerhouse Despite Hurdles

  • Thomas Herzfeld,
  • Vasyl Kvartiuk

摘要

The chapter traces Ukraine’s transformation from a Soviet-style agricultural system into one of the world’s leading grain exporters. It describes how collectivized farms were dismantled after independence, leading to a dual agrarian structure of large agroholdings alongside millions of small household producers. The authors outline how policy reforms—such as land privatization, decentralization, and the eventual opening of a land sales market in 2021—were shaped by political struggles between domestic interest groups, oligarchs, and international donors. Despite early declines in output during the 1990s, productivity and exports recovered strongly after 2000, with crops driving growth while livestock lagged behind. Today, Ukrainian agriculture faces major challenges: EU integration pressures, the devastation caused by Russia’s war (including land loss, infrastructure destruction, and disrupted exports), and looming climate change risks. The authors conclude that Ukraine’s future agricultural success will depend on balancing competitiveness in global markets with equity, sustainability, and inclusive governance.