Direct losses to Ukraine's agricultural sector over two years of war exceed $10 B - official

Ukraine's agricultural sector has suffered more than $10 billion in direct losses in the two years since the beginning of the large-scale invasion, so it is very important to restore it to ensure the stability of world food markets.

Ukraine's Acting Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi said this in his speech at the conference "Rebuilding Ukraine's Agriculture," Ukrinform reports, citing the press service of the Agricultural Policy and Food Ministry.

"Ukrainian farmers suffered significant losses due to Russian aggression. From the destruction of agricultural machinery for $5.8 billion to the loss and destruction of livestock farms for more than $250 million. And international food prices in 2022 increased by about 35%. The situation got stabilized only after new export routes were created. Therefore, support is needed to restore the Ukrainian agricultural sector," Vysotskyi said.

According to him, Ukraine is a global leader in the export of grain and oil-bearing crops. The recovery of the agricultural sector will ensure the stability of world food markets, he said.

Vysotskyi stressed the need for long-term projects to support the Ukrainian agricultural sector. One of these is the Ukraine Facility program of financial support for Ukraine from the EU.