Brussels, 21 May 2022 (TDI): European Union’s High Representative, Josep Borrell spoke about the world’s food supply during the development Ministers’ meeting that focused on the global food security crisis.
The world’s food supply is in danger, mainly due to Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The first victims are vulnerable populations in low-income countries who depend on food and fertilizer imports.
We work on a global response from the international community.https://t.co/pXdsu0jP6s pic.twitter.com/0aMoDFs7D5— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 21, 2022
Food security crisis and the Russian war
The Ministers discussed the global food security crisis that is looming. It was highlighted that the food markets were already under stress before the war.
However, the crisis is becoming even worse following Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Thereby, it is endangering the food security of millions of people in various parts of the world today.
Russian troops bombed the Ukrainian fields, disallowed the sowing of crops, and blocked the ports of Ukraine. All of it is increasing prices for food and fertilizers.
Therefore, the world’s food supply is in danger, especially as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Borrell pointed out that in 2021, Ukraine and Russia were part of the top exporters. For example, in relation to sunflower oil, 50% came from Ukraine.
On the other hand, Borrell said Russia occupies parts of the arable Ukrainian land.
Following this, it is estimated that nearly half of the winter wheat, about 40% of rye and more than 60% of corn, that will be harvested in the 2022 summer, is located in regions that are at risk.
Subsequently, he stated that these future crops are going to be at risk.
Consequences of the impact on harvest
More to this, about 20% and 30% of the areas in Ukraine of winter cereal, maize, and sunflower seed production will stay unharvested or not planted this spring.
The High Representative pointed out the consequences in that food will be missing and expensive in areas where it is not missing.
In addition, he underlined that when people spend more resources on food, they will have less health and education which will deepen inequalities and poverty.
Borrell also emphasized that prior to the war the situation was very bad already.
This is because 193 million people within 53 countries were experiencing acute food insecurity.
Thus, the war worsened the crisis and he called for global response from the global community.
Borrell announced that they already made two pledging conferences, for supporting the populations in the Sahel, Lake Chad region, and the others in the Horn of Africa.
In conclusion, they discussed solidarity, emergency relief, macro-economic stability, and work on food affordability.
