| The 2008/09 marketing year was a record one for | | | | Ukrainian Meteorological Center. The figure is the |
| food commodity prices. Trading on commodities such | | | | highest for the last four years and augurs well for |
| as corn and maize reached levels never seen before. | | | | crop yields farmed from Ukraine land during the 2009 |
| While agricultural experts agree that it's very unlikely | | | | 10 marketing year. |
| that prices in the marketing year 2009/10 will surpass | | | | Another factor behind the record grain export levels |
| the previous year's benchmark, Ukraine is showing | | | | produced by Ukraine land is the improved grain |
| strong signs of bumper crops and an excellent | | | | storage facilities. Ukraine agriculture is fast catching up |
| harvest meaning that investment in Ukraine land is | | | | with modern technology and techniques. Better and |
| set for another good year. | | | | bigger storage is a top priority, particularly when |
| According to the 'Ukraine Grain and Feed Annual | | | | yields are high. Total storage capacity increased by 2 |
| Report 2009', last year's bumper crop and large | | | | million tonnes last year with the construction of more |
| carryover stocks led to export sales being taken to | | | | silos and grain elevators planned for this year. |
| a historic high. These exceptional export levels meant | | | | Ukraine's admission to the World Trade Organisation |
| that Ukraine joined the listing of the world's top grain | | | | (WTO) in 2008 was a further contributing factor to |
| exporters. Figures released by the Ukraine State | | | | Ukraine's high grain exports. Membership of the WTO |
| Statistical Committee show that grain production in | | | | has meant Ukraine has had to adopt international |
| the 2008/09 marketing year experienced a massive | | | | export licensing requirements and abolish grain export |
| 82% year-on-year rise. The increase in the area of | | | | restrictions. |
| Ukraine land used for agriculture (in particular, grain | | | | Agricultural experts are unanimous in that agriculture |
| and pulse crops) was also considerable (14.4% more | | | | on Ukraine land has a very bright future. Ukraine is |
| land was farmed) while yields grew by an impressive | | | | one of the very few countries in the world where |
| 59.2%. | | | | vast agricultural expansion will not have a negative |
| Exports are expected to be slightly lower this year, | | | | effect on the environment. Ukraine also enjoys the |
| but the Ukraine government estimates that the | | | | privilege of some of the world's most fertile soil. In |
| country's grain exports will amount to around 7 million | | | | addition, improved farming techniques will ensure that |
| tonnes of grain, the second highest level ever and | | | | Ukraine continues to produce high crop yields over |
| well above average. | | | | the next decade and beyond. And with world food |
| Part of the reason behind this export boom comes | | | | consumption forecast to increase by over 40% by |
| from favourable climatic conditions. Last winter saw | | | | 2030, Ukraine land and the soft commodities |
| ideal weather in Ukraine for crop planting. The mostly | | | | produced on it are poised to become an essential |
| mild conditions have led to 95% of the winter crop | | | | part of everyday life. |
| being classed as 'good' or 'satisfactory' by the | | | | |