The presidential initiative “Grain from Ukraine”: the first ship with wheat left for Ethiopia

As part of the humanitarian program “Grain from Ukraine”, initiated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, the first ship with 27 thousand tons of wheat on board left for Ethiopia. This is the food that can feed almost 100,000 people a year.

“The need to supply food to Africa is one of the important messages that the President of Ukraine expressed during his speech at the G20. And Ukraine proves that deeds always support our words. Today, together with the Government of Germany and with the support of the World Food Programme, we sent a ship with bread to Ethiopia,” said Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka.

The need for agricultural products in the world is growing every year by 2-3%, and the grain shortage in the markets of Africa and Asia may reach 10-15% in 2024. By fighting and destroying traditional supply chains, the Russians have brought at least 70 million people worldwide close to starvation. That is why Ukraine insists: the grain initiative should be extended indefinitely.

On the initiative of Ukraine, an international Coordination Group for the prevention of hunger is being created. And under the auspices of President Volodymyr Zelensky, the humanitarian program “Grain from Ukraine” has begun work, which will be implemented in partnership with the World Food Programme. The coordination of the implementation of the Programme is ensured by the Head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak.

The essence of the programme is that the countries participating in the project buy agricultural products from Ukrainian producers (the priority is small and medium-sized enterprises) and transfer them to countries on the verge of starvation. The first batch of grain – for Ethiopia – was purchased by the German Government.

“Thus, thanks to the “Grain from Ukraine” Programme, we will help countries with extremely urgent food problems. At the same time, we will support Ukrainian agricultural producers,” Taras Kachka notes.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, wheat, Africa, Ethiopia, Food, shortage, markets, Asia, Grain from Ukraine