At the DLG Feldtage in Bernburg-Strenzfeld, Germany, in June 2026, a delegation from the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD UA) participated in a technical information visit to examine current developments in crop production, emerging technologies, and the impact of European regulation, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s EU accession process.
The program for the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD UA) delegation was organized by DLG Markets, the exhibition arm of the German Agricultural Society (DLG), a non-profit society that aims to promote knowledge sharing for farmers. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH), the APD UA was set up to support the modernization of Ukraine’s agricultural sector and its integration into the European Union.
A key highlight of the delegation visit to the DLG Feldtage event was the panel discussion titled “Plant Protection and Fertilization under EU Requirements – Opportunities and Concerns from German and Ukrainian Perspectives”, which attracted strong interest and a large professional audience. Discussions focused on EU regulatory frameworks in crop protection and the ongoing challenge of balancing competitiveness with environmental sustainability. Particular attention was given to the implications for Ukraine as it continues its path toward EU integration.
The session was moderated by Dr. Olga Trofimtseva, Team leader of APD Ukraine and former Deputy Minister for European Integration of Ukraine together with Frederik Tipp, Head of international cooperation projects, DLG Markets. Panelists included Wilfried Misslbeck, representing German agricultural practice; Pavlo Davydiuk, Farmer, Felix Agro GmbH and Vladyslav Sedyk, Advisor to the Director General, Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB); and Dr. Bernd Rodemann, Deputy Head of the Institute for Plant Protection at the Julius Kühn Institute. Perspectives from practice, science and policy highlighted the complexity of reconciling environmental requirements, farm-level realities and economic competitiveness.
“EU integration is not only about tariffs, but about standards. For Ukrainian farmers—especially in plant protection—this is a real challenge. But it is not optional, it is a necessity: those who adapt secure long-term access to the European market, and timing is critical to be prepared, ” said Dr. Olga Trofimtseva, Team leader of APD Ukraine and former Deputy Minister for European Integration of Ukraine.
The program was complemented by expert exchanges with the DLG technical committees on crop protection as well as plant nutrition and fertilization, where current assessments of regulatory, agronomic and production-related developments were discussed. In addition, discussions with the German Crop Protection, Pest Control and Fertilizer Association (IVA) provided the delegation with insights into current EU regulatory developments and their implications for agricultural practice and innovation.
Farm visits in the surrounding area at operations in the fertile plains of the Magdeburg Börde region further added a practical dimension to the program, offering insights into agricultural operations in Löbnitz and Könnern, Saxony-Anhalt. Participants explored concrete approaches in crop production, plant protection, fertilization and farm management under real operating conditions.
The exchange builds on a broader series of activities within the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue aimed at strengthening cooperation between Germany and Ukraine across the entire agri-food value chain. Earlier in 2026, DLG Markets convened the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Entrepreneurs Forum in Frankfurt, bringing together stakeholders from industry, policy and finance to promote concrete partnerships and investment opportunities. The forum highlighted both the resilience and innovation capacity of Ukraine’s agricultural sector and the importance of direct exchange in advancing EU integration in a practical and mutually beneficial way.
With its activities, the APD Ukraine, implemented by an international consortium including DLG Markets, supports the modernization of Ukraine’s agricultural sector and facilitates dialogue between policymakers, industry and agricultural practice. The DLG contributes its international network and technical expertise, creating platforms for knowledge exchange and cooperation that make the process of EU integration tangible and actionable.
The DLG is the organizer of DLG Feldtage outdoor field exhibition held 16-18 June 2026 in Bernburg, Germany. The event hosted more than 350 exhibitors and 13,000 visitors.
