Prospects for maize processing for the development of bioeconomy and decarbonisation in Ukraine

Abstract

Under the terms of the European Green Deal, including the transition to a green economy, decarbonisation, and a sustainable model of inclusive growth, Ukraine has committed itself to achieving climate neutrality by 2060. The military challenges caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine require an in-depth investigation and substantiation of mechanisms for developing promising areas of deep processing of domestic agricultural raw materials to ensure food security, domestic market development, and post-war economic recovery. The purpose of this study was to analyse and assess the potential for processing Ukrainian maize in the context of bioeconomy development, specifically to produce starch, bioplastics, and bioethanol. The study was conducted using a systematic approach with extrapolation methods, exponential smoothing, and confidence interval construction to assess the forecast. It was proved that Ukraine has all the opportunities to increase the production of a wider product line of deeply processed maize products. Realising the potential of maize processing as a biological and energy feedstock in the Ukrainian economy for post-war recovery depends on the creation of an innovative bioeconomy infrastructure, through strengthening strategic partnerships between agricultural producers, research institutions and public authorities, cluster development and export promotion. The practical value of this study lies in the developed recommendations for the implementation of maize processing opportunities for the development of the bioeconomy and acceleration of decarbonisation in Ukraine