Kachka: Abrupt harmonisation of pesticide rules could trigger a collapse for EU and Ukrainian growers

A sharp, one-off harmonisation of crop protection product regulations between Ukraine and the European Union could lead to serious problems for farmers on both sides of the border, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka said at Ukraine House Davos 2026.

According to him, over the past three years, the EU has significantly tightened regulation and banned a large number of chemical substances previously used in agriculture. At the same time, some components applied by European chemical manufacturers are already prohibited under Ukrainian legislation.

“If we try to harmonise everything at once, it will simply mean a collapse for everyone — both EU farmers and Ukrainian growers,” Kachka stressed.

He noted that a switch to exclusively EU rules without a transition period could lead to a sharp increase in production costs. In particular, prices for products produced by large agricultural holdings could rise significantly under such a scenario.

Ukraine, Kachka said, will insist on a more gradual and “gentle” approach to regulatory harmonisation in order not to harm either European or Ukrainian farmers, especially small-scale producers.

He emphasised that the regulation of crop protection products is a shared challenge for Ukraine and the EU and requires a systemic approach within the framework of shaping a common agricultural policy.

“I am convinced that Ukraine’s integration into the European Union will ultimately save money and help preserve European agriculture,” Ukraine’s Trade Representative added.