Business and authorities of Odesa region discussed key challenges for the agricultural sector: logistics, port security, reservations and fertilizer availability

02/ 07/ 2026

Listen to online Stop   On June 25, a working meeting of business representatives, government authorities and the agricultural sector of the Odesa region took place. The meeting was organized by the Regional Council of Entrepreneurs at the initiative of the NGO “Agrarians of Odesa Region”. The event was attended by Kateryna Morozova, First Deputy Chair of the Entrepreneurs Council and Head of the Southern Ukrainian Office of the EBA, as well as representatives of the EBA Odesa Coordination Council and heads of relevant EBA Odesa committees.  The discussion focused on issues that directly affect the stability of businesses operating in the region during wartime: transport logistics, security of port infrastructure, staffing of the agricultural sector, and availability of mineral fertilizers.  One of the key topics was the transport connection of Bessarabia and the challenges related to the M-15 highway section near Palanka. The business community emphasized the need to find a long-term solution that would reduce logistical risks, ensure stable cargo flows, and strengthen the role of the Danube port cluster.  Special attention was paid to the issue of seasonal reservations for agricultural workers. During the harvesting period, companies face a critical shortage of personnel, creating risks for timely crop collection. Participants stressed the need for more flexible reservation mechanisms for businesses that contribute to the country’s food security.  Another important topic was the security of Odesa region’s port infrastructure. Business representatives highlighted that amid constant attacks, protecting ports is not only a regional priority but also a strategic issue for Ukraine’s economy as a whole. Kateryna Morozova emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the state and the port business community in addressing security challenges:  “Ports are currently operating under extremely difficult conditions, ensuring Ukraine’s export capabilities. Businesses are ready to contribute to strengthening infrastructure protection, but this requires systemic mechanisms and clear coordination at the state level.”  Participants also discussed the issue of fertilizer availability for farmers and the need to find solutions that would ensure access to essential resources without creating additional pressure on producers.  Following the meeting, the parties agreed to prepare relevant appeals and proposals to central government authorities regarding the issues discussed.  The European Business Association continues to support dialogue between business and government, contributing to the development of practical solutions to maintain the economic resilience of the Odesa region.

On June 25, a working meeting of business representatives, government authorities and the agricultural sector of the Odesa region took place. The meeting was organized by the Regional Council of Entrepreneurs at the initiative of the NGO “Agrarians of Odesa Region”. The event was attended by Kateryna Morozova, First Deputy Chair of the Entrepreneurs Council and Head of the Southern Ukrainian Office of the EBA, as well as representatives of the EBA Odesa Coordination Council and heads of relevant EBA Odesa committees. 

The discussion focused on issues that directly affect the stability of businesses operating in the region during wartime: transport logistics, security of port infrastructure, staffing of the agricultural sector, and availability of mineral fertilizers. 

One of the key topics was the transport connection of Bessarabia and the challenges related to the M-15 highway section near Palanka. The business community emphasized the need to find a long-term solution that would reduce logistical risks, ensure stable cargo flows, and strengthen the role of the Danube port cluster. 

Special attention was paid to the issue of seasonal reservations for agricultural workers. During the harvesting period, companies face a critical shortage of personnel, creating risks for timely crop collection. Participants stressed the need for more flexible reservation mechanisms for businesses that contribute to the country’s food security. 

Another important topic was the security of Odesa region’s port infrastructure. Business representatives highlighted that amid constant attacks, protecting ports is not only a regional priority but also a strategic issue for Ukraine’s economy as a whole.

Kateryna Morozova emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the state and the port business community in addressing security challenges: 

“Ports are currently operating under extremely difficult conditions, ensuring Ukraine’s export capabilities. Businesses are ready to contribute to strengthening infrastructure protection, but this requires systemic mechanisms and clear coordination at the state level.” 

Participants also discussed the issue of fertilizer availability for farmers and the need to find solutions that would ensure access to essential resources without creating additional pressure on producers. 

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to prepare relevant appeals and proposals to central government authorities regarding the issues discussed. 

The European Business Association continues to support dialogue between business and government, contributing to the development of practical solutions to maintain the economic resilience of the Odesa region.