Food security relies on supporting national production and ensuring the smooth functioning of international trade, according to Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka.
„Food security is a complex task that we have always dealt with, even before the large-scale war, and especially since the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation began. It starts with effective production within the territory of each state,” he said during the opening of the IV International Food Security Summit Food from Ukraine in Kyiv on Wednesday.
Kachka pointed out that for Ukraine, food security is both an internal and external matter. He expressed gratitude to international organizations and donors for providing humanitarian aid to guarantee food security in Ukraine, a country with a significant number of vulnerable individuals, including internally displaced persons and victims of shelling who require immediate assistance.
„The UN Food Programme is also operating in Ukraine to support Ukrainians. Therefore, we understand how vital it is to preserve and enhance national production,” he underlined.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of establishing partnerships with countries that rely on food imports and must enhance production and agriculture to ensure that „the stability of food supply does not depend on aggression and conflict.”
„It is crucial for us to ensure the smooth operation of international trade, as Ukrainian exports play a decisive role in many countries. When we mention a 7% share of exports [of grain] or a 13% share of international trade [in agricultural products], it implies that the absence of these products on the global market would result in high prices and shortages. The reliable functioning of international trade systems, including logistics, customs duties, and other regulations, is extremely significant,” Kachka emphasized.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that supporting national production and international trade will guarantee food security and establish stability and predictability in people’s nutrition.
