A group of EU farming and agri-sector organisations have said that they remain concerned over the impact of Ukrainian exports on certain EU agricultural sectors.

In a joint statement, Copa Cogeca - which represents EU farming organisations and agricultural co-operatives - along with several other sectoral groups, responded to an agreement in principle, which was announced yesterday (Monday, June 30), between the EU and Ukraine to solidify trade liberalisation.

The European Commission said that the agreement includes a "safeguard" to protect farmers in sectors most sensitive to Ukrainian exports.

The agreement in principle on the review of trade liberalisation under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement “marks a new phase in establishing a long-term, predictable, and reciprocal framework within the broader context of Ukraine’s accession process”, the commission said.

The agreement serves to solidify tariff and trade liberalisation with Ukraine; since the war with Russia started in February 2022, trade with Ukraine has been largely based on ad hoc ‘autonomous trade measures’ (ATMs) that were renewed a number of times, until they expired on June 5 this year.

Farmer representatives in the EU have long expressed concerns about the trade relationship between the EU and Ukraine since Russia’s invasion of that country in early 2022.

Farmers fear that increasing imports of crops from Ukraine will – and already have – put downward pressure on prices received by farmers for those products. The EU poultry sector is under similar pressure from imports of poultry products and eggs.

Responding to the new agreement in principle, the joint statement from the agri-sector groups said: "We acknowledge [the] announcement on the updated trade agreement between the European Union and Ukraine. Our sectors require certainty, predictability, and a genuine level playing field to remain viable.

"While we support Ukraine’s economic resilience and its European future during this difficult time, at this stage, considering the limited information provided, we can only hope that the final outcome of the agreement...fully considers and respects the sensitivities of EU farmers and manufacturers," the statement added.

The agri-sector groups said they looks positively on some of the aspects of the announcement, particularly on the requirement for Ukraine to align its standards to EU standards, and on the inclusion of the safeguard mechanism.

However, they also said they remain concerned over the outcome on the protection of sensitive sectors, and the potential exclusion of some products, such as barley or ethanol, from such mechanisms.

"We eagerly await the full details of this new agreement in principle for further analysis, and meanwhile wish to underline that a sustainable and fair partnership with Ukraine must protect both our farmers and manufacturers and our shared long-term goals," the statement said.