WFP ready to source up to 1 mln tons of Ukrainian grain for humanitarian programs

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is ready to handle up to 1 mln tons of Ukrainian grain for its humanitarian operations, provided sufficient funding is secured for procurement and transportation. This was discussed during a meeting in Rome between Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Taras Vysotskyi, and WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation, Rania Dagash.

The parties discussed opportunities for Ukrainian food exports amid restrictions on maritime logistics, the use of alternative transport routes and the continuation of humanitarian shipments. According to Vysotskyi, around 90% of Ukraine’s agricultural exports were transported by sea before Black Sea shipping routes were blocked. Ukraine has since managed to redirect approximately half of the required volumes through alternative routes, including the Danube and Romania’s Port of Constanta, although these routes remain longer and more expensive.

WFP representatives confirmed that the organization continues to purchase Ukrainian grain and transport it through the Port of Constanta. Other alternative routes are also being explored to support humanitarian deliveries. However, the potential procurement of up to 1 mln tons of Ukrainian grain will depend on the availability of international funding to cover both food purchases and logistics costs.

WFP also announced that it is working with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to develop a new investment facility, World Food Invest Ukraine, with an estimated value of $50 mln. The facility is intended to support businesses operating near frontline areas that face higher financing costs. Potential beneficiaries include agricultural producers, processing enterprises and operators of agricultural storage facilities.

The meeting also addressed preparations for the fifth International Food Security Conference, Food from Ukraine, and further efforts to attract international partners to humanitarian food programs. Ukraine and WFP plan to continue cooperation to support Ukrainian food exports, develop alternative logistics routes and ensure grain deliveries to countries in need of food assistance.

Tags: WFP, UNWFP, humanitarian program, Ukraine, grain