Agrarian Policy Ministry expects decision on ‘grain deal’ to be endorsed around March 18

The relevant statement was made during a meeting of the Coordination Council on Logistics in Agriculture, chaired by Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Mykola Solskyi, an Ukrinform correspondent reports, referring to the ministry’s press service.

Currently, the negotiations with partners, the UN and Türkiye, are underway at all levels to extend the ‘grain deal’. The Ukrainian side submitted a request to increase the number of inspections and add Mykolaiv Port to the Grain Initiative.

According to the ministry, as the Joint Coordination Center significantly slowed down inspection procedures, many vessels are waiting in a line within the Bosphorus Strait to reach Ukraine as part of the ‘grain deal’.

Additionally, the Coordination Council considered the slowdown in grain exports at the border with Poland due to increased veterinary checks.

The situation at road checkpoints is also tense. In particular, the time of waiting for a veterinary inspector at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk road checkpoint is about eight days.

Solskyi noted that the ministry is working to resolve these issues. As soon as this week, the minister is planning to visit Warsaw, where border and phytosanitary control procedures will be discussed as well.

Photo: AA