International partners confirm around USD 10.5 million in funding for temporary crop storage

International partners have confirmed around USD 10.5 million in funding for the purchase of temporary crop-storage solutions for Ukrainian farmers. The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine is working to secure additional funding to provide the necessary capacity, primarily for small and medium-sized producers, particularly those in frontline regions.

The need for additional storage capacity has arisen because of systematic russian attacks on port infrastructure, which have significantly slowed Ukrainian agricultural exports by sea. As a result of export restrictions, the potential storage-capacity shortfall could reach 7–11 million tonnes.

“Ukraine is expecting a strong harvest this year. We must preserve it and ensure that farmers are not forced to sell their produce at below-market prices simply because they have nowhere to store it. We are therefore working to secure as much international support as possible. Particular priority is being given to small and medium-sized producers, especially in frontline regions, where the risks to agricultural production and infrastructure are greatest,” emphasised Taras Vysotskyi, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

Funding from international partners has currently been confirmed as follows:

• EUR 700,000 from the European Union;
• EUR 1 million from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations;
• USD 6.5 million from the Buffett Foundation and Mercy Corps;
• USD 1 million from the United Nations World Food Programme;
• USD 1 million from the Red Cross.

The funding will be used, among other things, to provide farmers with grain-storage bags and other temporary storage solutions. This will make it possible to create additional capacity quickly where it is needed most, including in frontline regions. Agricultural producers will be able to preserve their harvest and sell it on more favourable terms, while retaining the working capital required for the next production cycle.

At the same time, the Ministry is finalising arrangements with the World Bank to secure a further USD 25 million. This would substantially expand support for farmers and help meet the critical need for temporary crop-storage capacity.