Ukraine expands sunflower and rapeseed area as soybeans decline for 2026–27 season
The country keeps total oilseed area steady while shifting focus to stronger export crops.
UKRAINE – Ukraine is adjusting its oilseed planting plans for the 2026–27 season, increasing land under sunflower and rapeseed while cutting back on soybeans, as it keeps total oilseed area unchanged at 8.6 million hectares.
Sunflower remains the country’s main crop and continues to drive output and exports. Farmers will plant 5.4 million hectares, a 6% rise from the previous season. This increase will push production up by 16% to 12.8 million tonnes. Oil output is set to reach 5.5 million tonnes, while exports will grow to 5 million tonnes.
“Sunflower continues to anchor Ukraine’s oilseed sector, even as market conditions shift,” an industry analyst said.
Rapeseed is also expanding. Farmers have already planted 1.3 million hectares of winter rapeseed, marking an 11% increase. Production is expected to rise by 25% to 4 million tonnes. Oil output will reach 820,000 tonnes, and exports will climb to 825,000 tonnes, nearly double last season’s level.
The shift reflects stronger demand in export markets, especially in the European Union, which remains Ukraine’s main buyer.
Soybeans are moving in the opposite direction. Farmers will reduce planting area by 11% to 1.8 million hectares. Production will fall by 5% to 4.7 million tonnes. Oil output and exports will also decline.
Analysts link this drop to policy changes and market pressures. Export duties on soybeans and rapeseed have affected farmer decisions. At the same time, processors face excess crushing capacity and limited sunflower seed supply, which affects how they allocate resources.
“Policy changes and market signals are clearly shaping planting choices this season,” the analyst added.
Processing capacity shapes strategy
Ukraine has an annual crushing capacity of about 20 million tonnes, with most of it built for sunflower. Sunflower crushing is expected to reach 12.7 million tonnes. Rapeseed crushing will increase to 2 million tonnes, while soybean crushing will fall slightly to 3 million tonnes.
The European Union will continue to absorb most exports, although local demand has weakened due to population shifts linked to the ongoing war.
This adjustment in crop mix shows how Ukraine is responding to both market demand and internal constraints while maintaining its position as a leading supplier of sunflower oil to the global market.
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