The United States continues to draw closer to Ukraine in wartime. This time through agricultural cooperation which will last for three years. This partnership aims to recover Ukraine from the food crisis caused by the Russian invasion.
Reporting from the New York Times, the announcement was made by the US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, at the UN forum on Thursday (16/6). The partnership as outlined in the memorandum of understanding has also been signed by the Ukrainian minister of agriculture.
Vilsack said the agreement was focused on providing technical assistance to Ukraine and helping the country rebuild its agricultural industry after the war ended.
Before the war, Ukraine was the fourth largest exporter of grain and seeds in the world. Ukraine's revenue source slowly lost ground when Russia invaded on February 24.
"The United States will take several other steps to address the crisis, including incentives for farmers to expand their production and, in so doing, increase the amount of grain available for food aid," Vilsack said, as quoted by the New York Times.
The war in Ukraine has also pushed up global food and energy prices. If it continues, this condition is predicted to create a shortage of grain supplies in countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa which are highly dependent on imports from Ukraine.
Global efforts are underway to release some 25 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain trapped by Russia's blockade of the country.
The United Nations stepped in to tackle the global crisis by negotiating a deal under which Russia would allow the transport of Ukrainian grain from ports on the Black Sea. In return, Russia will be given permission to export fertilizer to world markets without the threat of sanctions.
On Wednesday (15/6), Turkey offered to host four-way talks with Ukraine, Russia and the United Nations on the issue.
If this happens, then Ukrainian ports will have to be cleared of mines that were spread during the war. Ships making deliveries must also be escorted through safe corridors to avoid mines in the Black Sea.
Vilsack added that the land route must also be prepared while waiting for the results of the sea route negotiations. He suggested moving and storing grain through Romania and Poland by rail.
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