The French seed industry fears major disruptions for the upcoming sowing season

The French seed industry is very concerned by the situation generated by the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. These two markets are respectively the fourth and sixth destinations for French exports of seeds and plants. Thus, for 2020-2021, French exports of seeds and plants to this area reached nearly EUR 220 million (EUR 116 million for Russia and EUR 103 million for Ukraine). Most oilseeds are exported to these two destinations and corn and sorghum seeds.

Several French seed companies have production sites in Ukraine that are shut down to protect employees. With production plants closed, supplies to the Ukrainian market are blocked, which should cause significant disruptions for future plantings. The seed industry is also worried about the financial repercussions and the risk of non-payment of goods already sent to these two destinations.