International partners have already confirmed the allocation of approximately $10.5 million to purchase temporary crop storage facilities for Ukrainian farmers. [link_local link_article_id="1823542"]Dengi.ua[/link_local] reported, citing the press service of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food link_direct link_url="https://minagro.gov.ua/news/mizhnarodni-partnery-pidtverdyly-finansuvannia-blyzko-105-mln-na-tymchasove-zberihannia-vrozhaiu"[/link_direct], that international partners have already confirmed funding of approximately $10.5 million to purchase temporary crop storage facilities for Ukrainian farmers.

The ministry is also continuing its efforts to secure additional funding. Support is primarily needed for small and medium-sized agricultural producers, especially those operating in frontline regions.

The need for additional storage facilities stems from persistent Russian attacks on Ukraine’s port infrastructure. As a result, the volume and pace of agricultural exports by sea have declined significantly. If export restrictions remain in place, the shortfall in storage capacity for the harvest could range from 7 to 11 million metric tons.

“Ukraine is expecting a bumper harvest this year. We must preserve it and ensure that farmers are not forced to sell their produce at below-market prices simply because of a lack of storage space. That is why we are seeking as much international support as possible. A key priority is small and medium-sized producers, especially in regions near the front lines, where the risks to agricultural production and infrastructure are the highest,” emphasized Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi.

At this time, the following international financial assistance has been confirmed:

  • €700,000 from the European Union;
  • €1 million from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization);
  • $6.5 million from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation / Mercy Corps;
  • $1 million from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP);
  • $1 million from the Red Cross.

The allocated funds are scheduled to be used, in particular, to provide farmers with silo bags (sleeves) and other temporary storage solutions. This will make it possible to quickly increase available storage capacity in the most affected regions, primarily near the front lines.

Thanks to the additional storage facilities, agricultural producers will be able to preserve their harvested crops and avoid being forced to sell them at unfavorable prices. In addition, this will allow them to maintain the working capital necessary to continue the production cycle.

At the same time, the ministry is finalizing negotiations with the World Bank to secure an additional $25 million. Securing these funds will significantly increase the amount of aid to the agricultural sector and bring the country closer to resolving the shortage of temporary storage capacity for the harvest.