75 Nations Back Ukraine's Agricultural Exports Amid Global Food Concerns

In a significant development for global food security, 75 countries and international organizations have reached a consensus on measures to safeguard Ukrainian agricultural exports. This agreement comes as a response to the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine, the world's 5th largest wheat exporter, following Russia's invasion in 2022.

The online meeting, a follow-up to the peace summit held in Switzerland in June 2024, focused on ensuring the uninterrupted supply of Ukrainian agricultural products. Ukraine, often referred to as the "breadbasket of Europe," has been working to maintain its crucial role in global food supply despite the conflict.

Ukraine's resilience in the face of adversity is evident in its export figures. For the 2023/24 season, the country reported exports of 69.86 million metric tons of grain, vegetable oils, and oilseeds. This recovery is particularly noteworthy given the frequent attacks on port infrastructure since Russia's withdrawal from the UN-brokered grain deal last year.

The measures discussed during the meeting included:

• Enhancing security for commercial navigation in the Black Sea and Azov Sea
• Protecting trade routes
• Restoring and defending Ukrainian port infrastructure
• Increasing the production capacity of Ukraine's agricultural sector

Jon Finer, the U.S. deputy national security adviser, attended the meeting in person during his visit to Kyiv. He commended Ukraine's ability to defend its exports and push back the Russian Black Sea Fleet, attributing this success to the country's resilience and support from partner nations.

Ukraine's agricultural sector, which accounts for about 12% of its GDP and employs 14% of its workforce, has been rapidly modernizing in recent years. The country boasts over 32 million hectares of arable land and a grain storage capacity of approximately 75 million tons.

"The steps discussed at the meeting included the security of commercial navigation in the Black Sea and Azov basins and protection of trade routes, as well as the restoration and air defence protection of Ukrainian port infrastructure and increasing production capacity of the country's agriculture sector."

This meeting is part of a series of working group sessions following the June summit. A previous discussion on energy security took place in August 2024, and a future meeting is planned to address the release of prisoners and deported persons.

As the world's largest exporter of sunflower oil and a major producer of corn, Ukraine's agricultural exports play a crucial role in global food security. The country's ability to maintain and potentially increase its exports, despite the ongoing conflict, demonstrates its commitment to its role as a key player in the global food supply chain.