World Bank may provide $25 mln for crop storage in Ukraine

The World Bank is considering allocating $25 mln under the ARISE program to support crop storage needs of small and medium-sized agricultural producers in Ukraine. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi and representatives of the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The need for additional storage capacity has increased due to systematic Russian attacks on the Greater Odesa ports and other logistics infrastructure, which have significantly restricted Ukraine’s export capacity. The Agriculture Ministry stressed that additional grain storage capacity needs to be created quickly to prevent crop losses.

Another priority is the diversification of storage locations due to the risk of further attacks on grain storage facilities and other infrastructure. Small producers are particularly in need of support: farms of up to 200 ha collectively cultivate around 1.1 mln ha, while their access to financing remains limited.

World Bank representatives are also ready to explore additional resources to support liquidity in Ukraine’s agricultural sector, including through the Affordable Loans 5-7-9% program. The parties agreed to accelerate work on specific financing mechanisms.

Support for export logistics could become another area of cooperation. The World Bank and IFC are considering financing for Ukraine’s transport infrastructure, including ports, the Danube route and railways, as well as the restoration of infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks.

Tags: World Bank, Ukraine, grain, logistics, grain storage