Over almost four years of full-scale war, soybean production in Ukraine has doubled compared to the pre-war period. In 2023, this crop allowed farmers to stay afloat thanks to high prices. Today, the price of soybeans is growing again and already reaches UAH 18,000 per ton, which makes it attractive to farmers. This assessment was given by the acting director of the State Institution "Institute of Grain Crops" of the NAAS of Ukraine, Vladyslav Cherchel, during the round table "The most profitable crops in 2026: what farmers should grow".

According to Cherchel, oilseed flax also has significant potential. Its sown areas are growing, and, according to forecasts, the crop will continue to gain popularity. An important factor for expanding the market is the development of modern growing technologies and analysis of demand for products.

“Oil flax is selling well, especially on the EU market. The price can range from 30 to 60 thousand UAH per ton. In addition, it is worth increasing the area of ​​mustard crops, which also has potential for development,” the specialist added.

Sugar beet also shows stable results, despite the difficult conditions of the war. Crop production has become more productive than in 2021, and the area of ​​crops currently amounts to 200-250 thousand hectares. The main growing regions are the Forest-Steppe and the west of Ukraine.

Peas, according to Cherchel, demonstrate good profitability and have significant potential for expansion. Currently, its crops occupy about 200 thousand hectares, but the expert recommends increasing the area to 500 thousand hectares, and ideally to 1 million hectares, especially in the south of Ukraine.

Experts emphasize that the development of these crops requires a comprehensive approach: improving cultivation technologies, expanding sales markets, and increasing the competitiveness of products at the international level. This will allow Ukrainian farmers to receive stable profits even in conditions of war and climate change.