During his official visit to Tallinn from February 6 to 8, 2025, the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Vitalii Koval, held a series of important meetings and negotiations aimed at deepening cooperation between Ukraine and Estonia in the agro-industrial sector.
One of the key events was a roundtable discussion with representatives of Estonia’s agricultural and fisheries sectors, during which the Action Plan for 2025–2029 was signed between the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine and the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture of Estonia. This document lays the foundation for Ukraine’s further integration into the European agricultural space and the development of partnership relations.
During negotiations with Estonia’s Minister of Agriculture, Piret Hartman, discussions focused on experience exchange, market opportunities, and mutual support. Minister Koval emphasized that Ukraine does not compete with the European market but rather strengthens EU food security and promotes mutually beneficial trade.
The ministers also addressed issues related to fisheries, reorientation towards Western markets, and support for organic production. Special attention was given to the development of small-scale farming and the integration of Ukrainian agricultural producers into European associations.
In a meeting with the Speaker of the Estonian Parliament, Lauri Hussar, discussions centered on maintaining the current trade regime between Ukraine and the EU. Minister Koval requested support for extending special preferences for Ukrainian agricultural exports, highlighting the importance of stable trade cooperation.
The Ukrainian delegation also met with representatives of Estonia’s largest agricultural cooperative, Kevili, which unites 150 grain producers. The experience of this cooperative is valuable for Ukraine, as implementing similar models can contribute to the development and competitiveness of Ukrainian farms.
Minister Koval visited Estonian University of Life Sciences, where he discussed cooperation in biotechnology, ecology, crop production, and veterinary medicine with the university’s rector, Ülle Jaakma, and Ukrainian students. He invited the university’s representatives to Ukraine to explore scientific institutions and participate in international events, such as the September 2025 conference and the AGRO CHALLENGE Field Day in May 2025.
Additionally, Minister Koval visited the university’s Veterinary Clinic, noting the high level of professional training and modern equipment of the institution.
A significant part of the visit was the introduction to E-Piim, Estonia’s largest dairy cooperative, which processes over 1,100 tons of milk daily. Minister Koval stressed that such experience could be highly beneficial for Ukraine, as developing the cooperative movement enhances agricultural enterprises' efficiency.
Negotiations were also held with Magnus Noormaa, Director General of the Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Agency, regarding Estonia’s potential support for establishing a similar agency in Ukraine. The parties agreed to collaborate on analytical data processing and the development of digital services for farmers.
Minister Koval emphasized that Ukraine and Estonia share strategic interests in agriculture, European market integration, and innovation implementation. With the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in Estonia, a high level of negotiations was ensured, resulting in concrete agreements on future cooperation.
"Estonia is our reliable partner, and we are confident that the further development of agricultural relations between our countries will contribute to economic growth, expand export opportunities, and accelerate Ukraine’s integration into the European market," stated Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Vitalii Koval.