The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Food and Consumer Protection Service of Ukraine announced successful negotiations with Canadian officials, resulting in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) approving a program for the export of fresh apples from Ukraine to Canada.
This new agreement opens up significant export opportunities for Ukrainian apple producers.
Canada has updated its import requirements for Ukrainian apples in its Automated Import Reference System (AIRS). The program includes several key conditions:
- Apple growers, packing companies, and exporters must be registered with Ukraine's State Food and Consumer Protection Service and listed as approved exporters, producers, and packers.
- Orchard surveillance must be conducted under the Service's control to predict and manage the spread of harmful organisms.
- Pest control measures must ensure a low prevalence or absence of pests regulated by Canadian standards.
- Sorting equipment must be used to remove pests, dirt, and other contaminants.
Each shipment will require a phytosanitary certificate issued by Ukraine's State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.
In 2024, Ukraine's agricultural exports totaled $24.5 billion, accounting for 59% of its total exports. This was the second-highest value recorded, following the $27.7 billion in 2021.
This year, Ukrainian agricultural producers expanded their access to foreign markets, securing new export opportunities in 9 countries across 16 product categories.