We all know that food is one of life’s most important necessities. If you’re not getting enough to eat, your body can’t function properly and it becomes increasingly difficult for everything else in our lives. Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe with many natural resources. Wheat, corn and barley are just some of the crops that Ukraine farmers grow for food production purposes every year. The recent conflict between Russia & Ukraine has caused widespread panic across Europe because both sides have threatened blockades which would cause the largest grain exporting region to literally shut down.
On February 24, 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine. It’s been alleged that some millions of Ukrainians fled their country as a result, and this of course, included Ukrainian farmers. Ports that send wheat and other food staples around the world, are reported to be shut down. Russia, which is another huge agricultural producer, could soon have its grain exports hindered by Western sanctions, or economic penalties. Many of these sanctions are taking the form of trade restrictions.
At the moment, there is still enough wheat to supply the world’s needs… However, wheat prices rose 55 percent in the week after Russia’s invasion. If the war continues, countries that get wheat from Ukraine could face shortages starting as soon as July, according to the International Grains Council. Ukraine’s food supply issue threatens the livelihoods of people in Europe, Africa and Asia who rely on the vast, fertile farmlands known as the “breadbasket of the world.”
