At a time when our region is facing a major food crisis since 2011, and trying to recover from impacts of the COVID19 pandemic, the crisis in Ukraine is further complicating the situation. In the event of a protracted crisis, the region’s problems will be exacerbated, with dire economic and political consequences.
Two major food exporters- Russia and Ukraine are important exporters of agricultural and non-agricultural products in our region. In 2020, according to FAO statistics, the cumulative production of sunflower seeds of the two countries was estimated at more than 26.4 million tons, or 50.2% of world production. Dry peas production had reached 3.6 million tons, or 20% of world production. Production in tons of barley, oats, sugar/beet was 28.6 million (18.1% of world production), 4.6 million (18.1% of world production) and 43.1 million (16.1% of world production) respectively. Cumulative wheat production was 110.8 million tons, or 12.4% of world production. With regards to wheat production in particular, Russia is the 3rd world largest producer while Ukraine stands in 9th position. These agricultural products above enter the food system of our region in different ways and some countries in the region are highly dependent on them.