OREANDA-NEWS. March 28, 2012. The overstocking of sugar beet, which is in connection with restriction of export of the Ukrainian sugar on the market of the Customs union, can be used for biofuel production. Under such conditions the agricultural sector of Ukraine can provide almost half of internal demand of the state in light petroleum products. This was stressed by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Prysyazhnyuk.

Restrictions on export of the Ukrainian sugar to the countries of the Customs Union and an increase of volumes of manufacture of a sugar beet last year caused overstocking of this production. Solving this problem requires expansion of geography of selling and search of new types of processing, one of which - manufacture of biofuel.

We are completing negotiations with Bangladesh and other countries on realization of sugar. We also plan to reduce the importation and use of sweeteners, as it not only harms the sugar industry, but also health of the population. Besides one of perspective directions of agrarian branch is manufacture of biofuel including from a sugar beet" – the Minister noted.

Mykola Aprysyazhnyuk has recently visited Washington, where he held a meeting in the State Department of Agriculture of USA, and among other issues prospects for biofuel production were discussed.

"As a result of negotiations we have agreed, that the Memorandum between Ukraine and the USA will be signed which will provide the legislative, technical assistance and financial investments on progress of biofuel" - Mykola Prysyazhnyuk noted.

According to the head of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, in the effective processing of sugar beets and corn, the agrarian sector of Ukraine can provide half of the domestic demand for light petroleum products.

"We have almost of 100% dependent on imported light petroleum products each year we buy them in volume more than 11 million tons. At the same time our agricultural sector can provide 5 million tons of light petroleum products. Today we are working with the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry on finalizing the bill on the mandatory use of light petroleum products and certain benefits and motivators for the development of this direction" - Mykola Prysyazhnyuk said.