G7 ag ministers condemn invasion of Ukraine

The G7 agriculture ministers, along with the agriculture commissioner for the European Union, the Ukrainian minister and several international food and agricultural organizations, today condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We are all appalled by and condemn the large-scale aggression by the Russian Federation against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, enabled by the Belarusian government. We are deeply saddened by the devastating human losses and suffering, and we express our solidarity with Ukraine in line with our G7 leader’s statement on the invasion of Ukraine by armed forces of the Russian Federation,” said a statement issued from Berlin.

The ministers said they are concerned about the impacts on food security and an increasing number of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition caused by the aggression.

“We note with grave concern the severe effects on global food supply chains and the sharp rise of already high prices for agricultural commodities and inputs, such as fertilizer, impacting food security and nutrition for vulnerable countries and populations.”

The statement called on international organizations to support food production in Ukraine and ensure food security.

“We remain determined to do what is necessary to prevent and respond to a food crisis, including with humanitarian aid and stand ready to act as needed to address potential disruptions,” they said.

Targeted attacks on critical agricultural infrastructure such as transportation and storage are having regional impacts and likely to affect global food systems.

The ministers urged countries to guard against any restrictive exports and said they would “not tolerate artificially inflated prices” that would restrict food availability. They are monitoring futures markets to ensure full transparency and said they would share reliable data on food market developments.

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists also issued a statement March 11 expressing concern about the safety of journalists and communicators who are threatened with bodily harm and professional suppression because of the invasion. The IFAJ said the free and open flow of information is as vital as the production and trade of food, feed, fibre and fuel.

“Because Ukraine is a major producer of food and livestock feed, as well as a leading export hub, suppression of the nation’s media and restriction of reporters’ movements and free expression can have destructive impacts on a global scale,” the statement said.

The Western Producer

Tags: G7, organizations, Ukraine, Russia, prices, Production, food security, food, invasion, fertilizer