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ConflictsUkraine

Ukraine's desperate search for farm labor

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June 25, 2026

Five years into the war, Ukraine is facing growing labor shortages. The agricultural sector is especially hard hit. The problem also affects countries that depend on Ukrainian grain.

Ukraine, long known as the "breadbasket of the world," relies heavily on agriculture exports such as grain and sunflower oil, which account for over half of its export revenue. But after years of war, the Ukrainian agriculture sector is under severe strain due to infrastructure damage, disrupted supply chains, and a growing labour shortage caused by ongoing mobilisation.

Farmers face a workforce deficit exceeding 30%, with women increasingly stepping into traditionally male roles, though gaps remain. Rising costs and inefficiencies during harvest further challenge production, while innovative solutions like AI-driven automation and greenhouse technologies are helping some farmers adapt. As Ukraine’s farmers invest in smart agriculture and robotics, the industry continues to seek sustainable ways to maintain food production and support global food security despite ongoing conflict.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.

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