Ukraine is moving to liberalize its land market, but, according to recent statements by the country's agriculture minister, foreigners will be prohibited from purchasing agricultural land. In an email interview, Leo A. Krasnozhon, a visiting assistant professor of economics at the University of Texas at Arlington, discussed Ukraine's agricultural land policies.
WPR: What is the extent of Ukraine's agricultural trade, and who are its major trading partners?
Leo A. Krasnozhon: Agricultural trade plays a very important role in Ukraine's economy. Ukraine is one of the top world exporters of grain, which generates 15 percent of the country's exports, or $7.5 billion. Ukraine's major trading partners are the European Union, Russia, the U.S., Brazil, Belarus, Moldova and Turkey. It also trades agricultural products with North African, Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries.