Farmers in Ukraine are facing horrifying challenges. Through this, they are still trying to grow food, look after their animals and secure their livelihoods.
The knock-on effects of Russia's war in Ukraine will be felt globally. Ukraine is famously the bread basket of the world. Some 400m people rely on Ukrainian crops. Some of these people live in the poorest parts of the world.
31 March 2022
NFU President Minette Batters and Robin Manning, director of the British Agriculture Bureau in Brussels, both joined a call with Mariia Didukh, director of UNAF (Ukrainian National Agrarian Forum).
Mariia said the situation for farming in Ukraine is unbelievably challenging and terrifying to witness.
Russia has laid mines in the shipping lanes into Ukraine's ports to prevent Ukraine exporting grain overseas, leaving them reliant on rail freight.
Meanwhile Ukrainian farmers face enormous uncertainty around spring planting and harvest. Many men have gone to fight.
Minette also spoke with Ukraine’s Deputy Ambassador and Agriculture Minister who reiterated that money is what’s needed most. The NFU has donated £25,000 to the humanitarian appeal.
Minette said: "Through our Brussels office we are also coordinating with other member states to get seeds, herbicides and vet meds to where they’re needed.
"Mariia said they were hoping to move 100,000 people out of Mariupol using the green corridors. The people there had no water or food and they were melting snow to drink.
"It is and continues to be a horrifying humanitarian disaster. The NFU remains totally committed to do all we can to help."
15 March 2022
When Minette spoke with Mariia on 15 March 2022, Mariia highlighted the urgent need for fuel, along with a shortage of farmworkers and a need for herbicides and seeds.
Although winter crops were good, yields were lower than in previous years. Blocked ports and damaged railways are contributing to the shortages in basic requirements.
Many farmers have been killing livestock to supply the army and civilians with food. There is also a shortage of vets and veterinary medication.
Minette explained that the NFU would do all it could to prioritise getting fuel, vet meds, herbicides and seeds to where they are needed.
She also talked about the farming families here in the UK who are keen to help in any they can. Many NFU members have indicated they would like to give shelter and house refugees under the government's scheme.