European Integration of the Agricultural Sector: The Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy is studying Denmark’s experience in food and agriculture, food safety, and veterinary standards as part of Ukraine’s EU integration efforts

On July 7–10, 2025, at the invitation of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of the Kingdom of Denmark, Oleksandr Starynets, Head of the Secretariat of the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy, is taking part in a study visit to Denmark within the framework of the Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) in the areas of food and agriculture, food safety, and veterinary standards.

The purpose of the visit is to familiarize with the Danish system of official control over food and feed safety, plant health, and animal welfare, as well as to study the legislative framework and adopt best European practices in order to align Ukrainian legislation with EU norms and standards.

The Head of the Secretariat of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy, Oleksandr Starynets, noted that the ongoing implementation of EU legislation enables many Ukrainian companies operating in the agricultural sector to meet new European production standards and become more competitive on the EU market.

He emphasized that in 2024, Ukraine exported 76 million tonnes of grain and oilseeds. Overall, the agricultural sector accounted for 59.3% (USD 24.7 billion) of the country’s total export revenue from goods in 2024, compared to 40.7% (USD 27.7 billion) in 2021. The EU's share in Ukraine’s agri-food exports remains critically important for the sector—at 52%.

 Oleksandr Starynets also reported on the work of the Committee, noting that during the 11th, 12th, and 13th sessions of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the IX convocation, the following EU integration laws were adopted upon the Committee’s submission: the Law on Grapes, Wine and Viticulture Products; the Law on the Information and Communication System “State Agrarian Register” (in line with Ukraine Facility requirements); the Law on State Regulation in the Field of Plant Protection (Plant Production Code); the Law on Ensuring the Traceability of Aquatic Bioresources and/or Products Derived from Them; the Law on Hops and Hop Products.

At the same time, he emphasized the Committee’s focus on priority legislative initiatives within the EU integration process, which are currently being actively developed and are essential for both negotiations and the screening of Ukraine’s legislation for compliance with EU norms.

One of the top priorities for implementing the provisions of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and the EU’s “Ukraine Facility” initiative is the establishment of a Paying Agency. Currently, draft law No. 13202-1 is being prepared for its second reading and consideration by the Committee.

The Committee places strong emphasis on aligning the draft’s wording with European counterparts, as the legislation is financially significant for Ukrainian farmers and urgently needed. The bill envisions the creation of management, monitoring, and control systems for agricultural support in Ukraine that are aligned with the principles of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.

Oleksandr Starynets also noted that the Committee is currently preparing several key draft laws for second reading, including: the draft law “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine to Align Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare Regulations with EU Law” (Reg. No. 12285-d), which is particularly important ahead of the legislative screening scheduled for September this year; the draft law “On Stimulating Economic Development of the Fisheries Sector” (Reg. No. 12384); and the draft law “On State Regulation of Organic Production, Circulation and Labeling of Organic Products” (Reg. No. 13204-1).

In addition, he mentioned that the Committee is awaiting the Verkhovna Rada’s consideration of the draft law “On the Protection of Waters from Pollution Caused by Nitrates from Agricultural Sources” (Reg. No. 11468), which aims to implement the EU Nitrates Directive.

The eurointegration draft law “On Plant Protection Products and Fertilising Agents” (Reg. No. 11062) is also being prepared for consideration by the Committee. It was developed to improve state regulation in the handling of pesticides and agrochemicals, taking into account relevant EU legislation.

Oleksandr Starynets emphasized that the Committee is doing everything possible at the legislative level to ensure Ukraine’s successful preparation for bilateral meetings with the European Commission under the negotiation chapters:

Chapter 11: Agriculture and Rural Development,

Chapter 12: Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy,

Chapter 13: Fisheries, which are scheduled for September 2025.

The study visit also includes participants from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Ukraine, the Head of the Ukraine Project at the Centre for International Cooperation (SSC), Camilla Brash Andersen, Senior Advisor at the Department of International Cooperation, as well as representatives of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, a senior plant health expert from the Department of Plants and Biosafety, and other officials from the Danish Agricultural Agency and Fisheries Agency.