Ukrainian farmers are expected to plant fewer acres this year. United Kingdom-based Green Square Agro Consulting Director Mike Lee tells the Red River Farm Network it’s difficult to get a good yield forecast for Ukraine. “We think 40 percent of the planting area is at risk this spring and possibly won’t be planted. It’s not only the issue of location, but access to fuel, tractor drivers, spare parts, fertilizer and other things.” The Ukrainian government is encouraging farmers to plant crops that can be consumed domestically. Lee is not sure how realistic it is for growers to make major switches from planting corn, soybeans and sunflowers to planting buckwheat and peas. “There isn’t sufficient seed for commodity crops in the country at the moment, so will there be sufficient seeds in the supply chain in the countries to provide the other crops?” Lee says the Russia-Ukraine war shows a fragile food production system. Hear a portion of the interview. Credit for photos: Green Square Agro Consulting.