Despite russia's military aggression, international partners stand side by side with Ukraine to ensure food security in the country and in the world, the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy reports.
Thus, according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), over the past two years, the US government has invested more than $300 million in Ukraine's agricultural sector. This includes expanding grain storage capacity, which was important during the Black Sea blockade, as well as inputs and seeds, given that farmers lost a lot due to the full-scale invasion.
It is noted that another $510 million in private investment in the agricultural sector has been attracted so far. This is a much more long-term contribution, as companies feel solidarity with Ukrainian farmers and at the same time see opportunities for their business. The development of Ukrainian business is important for foreign partners. It is also the basis for US funding of other programmes.
According to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Agricultural Resilience Initiative in Ukraine (AGRI-Ukraine) has been operating for two years under the leadership of USAID. This programme attracts money from the state and the private sector to strengthen production and exports of Ukrainian agricultural products and ensure global food security.
Since July 2022, this initiative has helped more than 14,000 Ukrainian farmers, which is 32% of the country's registered agricultural producers. Farmers have been able to receive seeds, fertilisers, plant protection products, access to storage space and financial resources to harvest their crops. It is predicted that this could bring additional income to producers of more than $90 million.
It is also noted that when russia blocked the export of Ukrainian agricultural products from Black Sea ports, AGRI-Ukraine helped to prepare and financially support the operation of alternative export routes, including through the Danube ports and land border crossings. These measures have resulted in 62 million tonnes of agricultural exports, generating over $17 billion for the Ukrainian economy.