Ukraine’s agricultural sector is entering the new season with strong expectations for oilseed production. Farmers’ decisions regarding crop structure for the 2026/27 season are increasingly driven by crop profitability and the development of processing capacities, ProAgro Group reports.

Sunflower remains the key crop of interest due to high prices following a deficit season. At the beginning of 2026, sunflower seed prices approached UAH 30,000 per ton.

Expectations for the new season suggest a gradual recovery in production, with sunflower planting areas potentially expanding to about 6.1 million hectares.

Soybean and rapeseed markets remain relatively stable. Domestic processing of these crops continues to grow, strengthening Ukraine’s role as a major oilseed processing hub in the Black Sea region.

Domestic sunflower prices have remained at relatively high levels throughout the marketing year. Market balance calculations for sunflower, soybean, and rapeseed summarize production, processing, and export indicators. Comparative data on acreage, yields, and supply reflect the market’s gradual shift toward greater domestic processing.

Analysts note that the overall market model remains unchanged: an increase in oilseed production stimulates processing growth and exports of value-added products.

As previously reported, according to the Ukrainian Grain Association, the total area under grain crops (wheat, corn, barley) in 2026 is expected to remain almost unchanged at 11.05 million hectares, compared with 10.815 million hectares in 2025.

Source: UkrAgroConsult