French parliament urges Ukraine to comply with EU standards in sugar production

Jordan Guitton, a member of France's lower house of parliament, submitted an official inquiry to France's Minister of Agriculture concerning sugar imports from Ukraine, as reported on the National Assembly's website.

He cited data from the General Confederation of Beet Growers (Champagne Bourgogne, CGB), noting that Ukraine's sugar beet exports rose from 20,000 tonnes to 400,000 tonnes between 2022 and 2023, reaching 700,000 tonnes in 2023 and driving EU sugar prices down by 30%.

"Falling prices are directly impacting French beet producers. The EU has not only failed to protect French beet growers but is also allowing imports of sugar beet that does not meet the standards imposed on French farmers," Guitton remarked.

He highlighted that Ukraine is allowed to use 29 active substances in pesticides, which are banned in the EU.

Guitton also reminded that the European Parliament recently limited Ukraine's sugar imports, given the duty-free quota of 260,000 tonnes per year, though this restriction applies only to 2024-2025.

He called on France's Ministry of Agriculture to consider protective measures for national producers beyond 2024, including possible demands for Ukraine to adopt European standards observed by French producers.