The Third Ukraine - The Netherlands Agricultural Dialogue (UANLAD): Joint Statement by UNAF and LTO NEDERLAND

The third Ukraine - The Netherlands Agricultural Dialogue (UANLAD) took place on 30 and 31 March, 2026 in Breda, The Netherlands. The UANLAD is co-organized by the Ukrainian National Agrarian Forum UNAF and the Netherlands Farmers’ and Growers’ Association LTO NEDERLAND with full support and encouragement of the  Ministries of Agriculture of both countries.

The third UANLAD event was opened by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Mr Taras Kachka, LTO President Mr Ger Koopmans, UNAF director Ms Mariia Didukh and senior Ukrainian and Dutch government representatives. Ambassadors Mr Andrii Kostin and Mr Alle Dorhout were also present at the meeting.

The Dialogue was focused on the state of play in Ukrainian agriculture as Russian’s war of aggression continues. After presentations by UNAF, LTO gave a presentation about the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and EU standards for plant and animal production. The dialogue continued focusing on challenges of integration of Ukrainian agriculture in the EU Internal Market in the broader context of the future accession of Ukraine to the EU.

The parties shared their views on expected effects and outcomes of the integration of Ukraine on European and Dutch agriculture and horticulture. The participants discussed the pace and quality of implementation of EU production standards for plant and animal health and animal welfare in Ukraine including cooperation in tackling the spread of animal diseases.

Particular attention was paid to the potential contribution of Ukrainian agriculture to strengthening EU’s strategic autonomy in key agricultural products. The Parties agreed that much work has yet to be undertaken to ensure that Ukraine’s EU integration does not affect the efficient and effective functioning of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the other EU member states, ensuring a level playing field, and at the same time maintain the competitiveness of the Ukrainian agricultural sector, including in third-country markets.

The delegations welcomed the frank, constructive and practical character of the discussions on the topics of common interest for the Dutch and Ukrainian farmers and growers whose outcomes can be summarized as follows:

1. Integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector in the EU can have a positive longer-term effect on the EU strategic autonomy for agricultural products which are essential for the EU food security by enhancing the production of commodities that are currently less represented in the EU.
2. Ukrainian and Dutch agrifood production can be mutually complementary, paving the way for synergies, securing greater competitiveness of the agrifood products of both countries on the European and global markets. LTO and UNAF will continue to exchange knowledge on the development of EU legislation and its implementation by farmers in Ukraine.
3. The parties agree that as long as the full-fledged Russian aggression against Ukraine persists, maintaining an open but managed EU-Ukraine trade in agrifood products is essential for economic resilience of the Ukrainian agricultural sector and the Ukrainian economy at large. They agree to continue the dialogue on trade regarding sensitive agricultural products, avoiding market distortion.
4. LTO understands and supports the provision of continued assistance to Ukraine’s farmers and the necessity for adequate transition and derogation periods for Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, along with corresponding access to the EU market and the future CAP.

IC UAC