Ukraine has officially established the "Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association" by merging the Ukraine Pulse Association ("Community of Pulses Producers and Consumers of Ukraine") and the Ukrainian Soybean Association. This was announced on January 30 during the press conference titled "Pulse and Soybeans: the Unified Voice of Ukrainian Agribusiness," which took place as part of the celebration of World Pulses Day in Ukraine.
The merger of the two associations is a crucial strategic move to bolster Ukraine's position in global markets, enhance the domestic market, and support agrarians.
Antonina Sklyarenko, President of the newly formed Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association, emphasized:
"The Ukrainian Pulses and Soybean Association is a response to the challenges of agrarian markets and a logical step in the sector’s evolution. Today, Ukrainian producers of pulses and soy face increasing international competition and the need to align with European standards. The industry's fragmentation has complicated these processes, but now we are joining forces to develop a unified growth strategy. This new association will serve as a platform for collaboration, technological synergy, and expansion of trade relations with key partners such as the EU, China, India, and Turkey."
According to her, in 2024, Ukraine harvested 469,000 tons of peas, with exports reaching 364,000 tons. In 2025, sown areas for peas are expected to grow by 20%, while lentil cultivation will expand by 10-15%. Similar trends are observed in the soybean sector.
Viktor Tymchenko, Head of the Ukrainian Soybean Association, highlighted that since 2003, Ukraine’s soybean acreage has increased 10.7 times, from 189,600 hectares to 2.032 million hectares in 2024. This underscores the crop’s strategic importance to Ukraine’s agricultural sector. He stated:
"Merging with the Ukraine Pulses Association is a step dictated by market needs and the demands of the time. Combining the experience, knowledge, and connections of both associations will amplify our impact. This means more support programs for farmers, greater access to advanced technologies, and an increased export potential."
Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Vitaliy Koval, welcomed the formation of the Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association, underscoring the importance of consolidated efforts in advancing the industry:
"It is crucial for the Ministry of Agrarian Policy that such strong associations work together to develop the agricultural sector. This initiative promotes greater processing of soybeans and pulses, boosts exports, and strengthens Ukraine’s economy."
According to him, in 2024, Ukraine exported 4.8% more soybeans ($1.3 billion) and 1.6 times more pulses ($115 million) than in 2023. He expressed confidence that the association’s merger would further drive growth.
"When businesses articulate their needs, it lays the groundwork for sound policy decisions at the national level. We look forward to new proposals and initiatives," the minister added.
Serhii Tkachuk, Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, emphasized that the merger of two powerful associations opens new opportunities for removing trade barriers. Significant progress has already been made in securing new markets, including opening pea exports to China and restoring pulse exports to India.
"I believe that our combined efforts will significantly increase pea exports. In 2024, shipments amounted to just over 300,000 tons, which, in my opinion, is far too low. I am confident that we can substantially increase this volume. Another crucial area is the soybean market. Last year, Ukraine exported nearly 3 million tons of soybeans. We support processing, focus on developing soybean meal exports, and work on entering new markets," Serhii Tkachuk noted.
Onur Vatan, Commercial Director of EU-NOMIA and a board member of the Pulses Association of Ukraine, stressed the importance of synergy between business and government:
"Ukraine has all the potential to become a key player in the global pulses and soybean market. However, achieving this requires cooperation between businesses, the state, and international partners. The merger of these associations is not just a formality but a strategic step that allows producers to influence decisions shaping the industry’s future. We must establish a platform where producers can voice their ideas and receive government-level support. This is one of the key directions of the newly united association."
Victoria Vasylenko, Commercial Director of the Arnika Agro-Industrial Group and Vice President of the Ukrainian Soybean Association, highlighted the merger’s importance in advancing the industry and supporting producers:
"This unification presents unique growth opportunities, as producers today face unprecedented challenges. Ukraine is engaged in a full-scale war, and we have overcome numerous obstacles to keep borders open for our products. Each of our associations has over a decade of experience, and now we are working together to benefit our producers and processors, laying the foundation for a thriving pulses and soybean sector in Ukraine."
Halyna Matviichuk, Co-owner and Commercial Director of the Lyubarets Soy Plant, discussed the future of collaboration:
"We have been working with the association for a long time because it is an effective platform for uniting businesses and finding opportunities. The new format of the association signifies stronger support, expanded prospects, and a new level of engagement. I believe this will create even more opportunities for all stakeholders."
Ambassadors from seven countries attended the event, who expressed their support for Ukraine’s pulses and soybean sector. At the conclusion of the event, diplomats received commemorative awards.
The merger of these two associations is not just a new format of cooperation—it represents tangible opportunities for agribusinesses, including expanded market access, advanced technology integration, and stronger representation on the international stage. Producers, processors, and exporters now have a unified and powerful voice to drive the development of Ukraine’s pulses and soybean industry.