Ophelia Nick, the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Germany, highlighted this during her recent statement.
Supporting Ukraine's Agricultural Sector
"The war has caused immense damage to Ukraine's agriculture, hindering its development and the growth of agricultural infrastructure," said Nick. "Ukraine needs our solidarity and support in restoring and strengthening its agro-food sector. I want to assure you that we will uphold our commitments to help your country for as long as necessary."
Nick acknowledged the significant achievements made by European and international partners, including the G7 countries, over the past two years. She emphasized the importance of solidarity corridors and support for the grain export initiative from Ukraine, which have stabilized agricultural exports.
Achieving Export Targets
"We aim to maintain export levels of at least 7.2 million tons every month this year," Nick stated. "This target, achieved by Ukraine even during the war, reflects our commitment to supporting the country's agricultural production and export capabilities."
Nick pointed out that the recovery process in Ukraine offers new opportunities for modernization, organic transformation, and necessary reforms in the agro-food sector. She views this as a chance for Ukraine to make significant progress toward joining the European Union.
Ukraine's Integration into the EU
"Ukraine belongs to the European family and is part of a united, free Europe," Nick affirmed. She acknowledged that Ukraine's integration into the EU will present challenges for both the EU and Ukraine, impacting the EU single market and global markets. However, she emphasized the need to ensure that the EU's agricultural policy and support for Ukraine serve as an effective model within an enlarged EU.
Nick concluded that despite the challenges, Ukraine's integration into the EU will significantly strengthen the agricultural sector, enhance the EU's position in global markets, and boost food security both within the EU and worldwide.
"The close coordination of all international partners, treaties, and memoranda will make this process successful," she summarized, reaffirming Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine's agricultural sector.
