Under the “Grain from Ukraine” humanitarian program initiated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the first vessel with 27 thousand tonnes of wheat left for Ethiopia. This is the amount of food that can feed nearly 100 thousand people for 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 our words are always backed by deeds. Today, together with the Government of Germany and with the support of the World Food Program, we have sent a ship with grain to Ethiopia,” said Deputy Minister of Economy – Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka.

The demand for agricultural products in the world is growing annually by 2-3%, and the deficit of grain in the markets of Africa and Asia in 2024 may reach 10-15%. Due to hostilities and disruption of traditional supply chains, russians have brought at least 70 million people around the world on the brink of starvation. That is why Ukraine insists that the grain initiative be extended indefinitely.

At the initiative of Ukraine, an international Coordination Group on Hunger Prevention is being established. Also, under the auspices of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a humanitarian program “Grain from Ukraine” was launched to be implemented in partnership with the World Food Program. The Program is coordinated by Head of President’s Office Andriy Yermak.

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

“Thus, thanks to the “Grain from Ukraine” program we will help countries where the problem of food is extremely urgent. And at the same time we will support Ukrainian farmers”, said Taras Kachka.