U.S. Senators Joni Ernst and Roger Marshall (Kan.) held an on-the-record briefing Wednesday about the war in Ukraine and what it means for global food security.
Ernst and Marshall ? who are both a part of the Senate Agriculture Committee ? were joined by members of the Ukrainian Civil Society. Ernst says the Global Hunger Index shows 47 countries had high levels of hunger in 2021. The war in Ukraine is estimated to bring that number to more than 60 countries this year.
?There are about 400 million people ? including the Middle East and Africa ? that are dependent upon Ukraine and Russia for their food,? said Ernst. ?At least 14 African countries import half of their wheat ? including Egypt, the world?s largest wheat importer ? from Ukraine and Russia. Russia has effectively shut down the Black Sea for exports because no carriers will take the risk of shipping in an active war where multiple cargo ships have been damaged by missiles.?
Ernst says Ukraine?s railways are struggling during this difficult time.
?They have a backlog on the country?s western border as traders are looking for alternative routes for their exports,? said Ernst. ?During this planting season, production will drop about 40-45% in Ukraine due to the availability of fertilizer, pesticides, and diesel fuel. That?s something that?s not talked about enough because that diesel fuel is being used by their military right now to fight the war. Russia is using food as what we call a ?quiet weapon? and they are targeting agriculture.?
Ernst added the FAO Food Price Index rose to a new all-time high in February, and that wheat prices added 50% after Russia?s invasion. She says further price increases are looming as long-term blockades of Ukrainian ports and food exports are not yet priced by the markets.
