Ukraine is gradually losing its small farms and household agricultural producers, which have traditionally supplied the domestic market with vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, and other food products. According to experts, the decline of these producers is already affecting the country's food market, as Ukraine increasingly imports products that were previously produced in sufficient quantities domestically.
One of the main reasons is the challenging operating environment for small farms. Limited access to employee reservation mechanisms, together with stricter land area and income requirements for participation in certain government support programs, has made it more difficult for small producers to remain competitive.
The decline of small farms affects not only production volumes but also product diversity. Small agricultural producers have traditionally supplied a wide range of vegetables, fruits, berries, and livestock products to the domestic market. As their numbers decrease, Ukraine becomes increasingly dependent on imported food products while agricultural production becomes more concentrated among large farming enterprises.
Experts emphasize that supporting small-scale farming remains essential for Ukraine's food security. Expanding access to government support, financing, and labor resources could help preserve small farms, which continue to play a crucial role in supplying the domestic market with quality food products and sustaining rural communities.