Sugar beet is one of the most important industrial crops in the world, playing a key role in sugar production. This plant occupies significant areas in many countries and is not only a valuable raw material for the food industry but also a source of income for farmers and agribusiness. According to
In this article, we will analyze where and in what volumes sugar beets are grown in Ukraine and the world. You will learn about sugar beet producing countries, local regions that are flagships of beet growing, as well as the prospects and challenges of the industry.
Sugar Beet Producing Countries
Sugar beet production is concentrated in regions with temperate climates. The leaders in sugar beet cultivation are:
- France — with a share of about 13% of world production.
- USA, producing approximately 11% of the total volume.
- Germany — with a share of about 10%.
- Turkey — closes the TOP with an indicator of about 7% of world production.
These countries that grow sugar beets lead due to favorable climatic conditions, advanced breeding and processing technologies, as well as state support for the industry. The map of countries where sugar beets are grown shows the concentration of production in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
Global sugar beet production tends to increase. According to
Prospects for Sugar Beet Cultivation Worldwide
Global climate changes open up new opportunities for sugar beet cultivation. Warming allows expanding the cultivation area northward, including regions where it was previously impossible. Innovative technologies, such as precision agriculture and genetically modified varieties, increase crop yields and plant resistance to diseases.
State support in many countries stimulates industry development. For example, the EU has subsidy programs for farmers growing sugar beets. The growing demand for biofuels also opens new prospects for producers, as sugar beet is an effective raw material for ethanol production.
However, the industry faces challenges, including competition from sugar cane and the need to adapt to new environmental standards. According to
Where Sugar Beet is Grown in Ukraine
In Ukraine, sugar beets are traditionally grown in regions with fertile soils and favorable climate. The main sugar beet growing areas in Ukraine according to the interactive map “Harvest Online” are:
- Vinnytsia — leader in sowing areas and gross harvest.
- Poltava — second place in production volumes.
- Khmelnytskyi — consistently in the top three.
- Ternopil — fourth place in sowing areas.
- Kyiv — closes the TOP of producing regions.
The regions where sugar beets are grown in Ukraine have optimal conditions: fertile chernozems, sufficient rainfall, and favorable temperature regime. Moreover, the main sugar beet processing capacities are located here.
Read also: Sugar Beet: Sowing, Yield, Varieties, and Diseases
How much Sugar Beet Was Harvested in 2024
As of November 2024, 11.9 million tons have been harvested from an area of 251.2 thousand hectares, which represents an average yield of 476 centners per hectare. This is a 12% decrease compared to last year’s indicators — in 2023, about 13 million tons of sugar beets were harvested, and the yield averaged 520 centners per hectare. This was one of the highest indicators in Europe. The acting Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Taras Vysotskyi, attributes the decrease to the anomalous heat that occurred this summer.
However, in recent years, there has been a trend towards increasing sugar beet yields in Ukraine. For example, in 2022, the country’s average
How much Sugar Beet is Planned to be Sown in 2025
Although experts are still refraining from exact forecasts for the 2025/2026 marketing year, analysis of previous trends allows for certain assumptions. Considering the stable growth of areas under sugar beet cultivation in Ukraine (from 249.9 thousand hectares in 2023 to 251 thousand hectares in 2024/25 MY), we can expect a further moderate increase in sowing areas to 252-255 thousand hectares in 2025/26 MY.
Assuming an average yield of 490 centners per hectare is maintained and there are no significant climatic anomalies, the gross harvest could reach 12.3-12.5 million tons. However, it’s worth considering the possible impact of global climate changes and fluctuations in world sugar market prices, which may adjust these forecasts. The growing interest of farmers in this crop, supported by high profitability and development of cultivation technologies, may also contribute to further expansion of sugar beet production in Ukraine.
For successful implementation of these plans, it’s important for agricultural enterprises to have access to financial resources. WEAGRO offers an innovative solution — agro-installment, which allows buying necessary goods and services now and paying later, after harvesting.
Prospects for Sugar Beet Cultivation in Ukraine
In Ukraine, sugar beet has significant potential for production expansion. The main prospects include:
- implementation of innovative technologies, particularly precision farming and process automation;
- development of organic sugar beet cultivation, which meets the growing demand for environmentally friendly products;
- modernization of factories to increase production efficiency in regions where sugar beets are grown;
- expansion of sugar exports and sugar beet processing products.
These factors can contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the Ukrainian industry in the global market. Additionally, the development of bioenergy opens new opportunities for using sugar beet processing by-products.
Challenges of Sugar Beet Cultivation in Ukraine
Despite positive prospects, the sugar beet industry in Ukraine faces a number of challenges:
- high energy intensity of sugar beet production and processing;
- competition from imported raw sugar;
- the need for significant investments in production modernization and implementation of new technologies;
- climate changes that may lead to shifts in optimal growing zones.
Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including state support, investments in innovation, and infrastructure development.
One of the key challenges is combating sugar beet diseases, particularly cercospora leaf spot. According to experts, the disease can lead to significant crop losses and reduced sugar content. To effectively combat cercospora, it’s necessary to implement comprehensive plant protection systems, including the use of resistant varieties and optimization of fungicide application schemes.
Another important aspect is cost reduction. According to agronomists, in 2023, the total costs of growing sugar beets per hectare amounted to about 81,000 UAH. This emphasizes the need to find ways to increase production efficiency and reduce product costs.
Read also: Product profitability: what it is and how to calculate the indicator
Conclusion
Sugar beet cultivation remains an important agricultural sector in Ukraine and the world. Despite challenges, the prospects for industry development are encouraging. The implementation of innovative technologies, expansion of organic production, and state support can ensure stable growth of the sector.
For successful business development in this industry, it’s important to have reliable partners. WEAGRO offers agro-installment — an innovative financial instrument that allows agricultural producers to obtain necessary resources for growing sugar beets with the possibility of payment after harvesting.
