Ukraine calls for stronger support for agricultural exports and an emergency FAO session

Ukraine has called on international partners to strengthen support for agricultural exports and consider convening an emergency FAO session due to disruptions to maritime shipments in the Black Sea. The issue was discussed during an online meeting with ambassadors of member states to FAO, WFP and IFAD.

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy, Russian attacks on Black Sea ports threaten the export of more than 30 mln tons of Ukrainian agricultural products this season. Producers could lose more than $10 bln in revenues, complicating financing for spring planting and the next production cycle.

Export disruptions are already affecting procurement prices, storage capacity utilisation and farmers’ access to working capital. First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy Denys Bashlyk warned that prolonged restrictions could lead to reduced planted area and lower production in 2027–2028.

The parties also discussed ways to support Ukrainian exports and expand storage capacity. In early September, Ukraine secured around $35 mln for temporary storage facilities with support from FAO, the World Food Programme and other donors.

The Ministry believes an emergency FAO session would help assess, based on verified data, the impact of Black Sea export disruptions on food availability and international supply chains, as well as discuss further mechanisms to support Ukrainian agricultural exports.

Tags: Ukraine, support, FAO, agricultural export