Despite its four-year war with Russia, Ukraine is still a major producer of grains, oilseeds and vegetable oils; exporting its food products to 150 countries, down from around 190 countries before Russia's invasion in 2022.
However, Ukraine's farmers are concerned as the cost of fuel has nearly doubled since US-Israeli strikes on Iran led to unprecedented disruption of energy supplies. Many farmers say high fertilizer prices - due to shortages of natural gas used to make nitrogen fertilizers - will also squeeze their budgets.
The risk for Ukraine is that the Middle Eastern conflict is increasing Russia's economic advantage.
