The Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mr. Mykola Solskyi had a meeting with the Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada Mr. Harjit Sajjan.
During the negotiations the parties discussed the situation, problems and the most important areas of cooperation in the agricultural sector as well as negotiated the support opportunities of Ukraine by Canada.
The subjects of the negotiations were the storage and export of grain, the supply of alternative energy sources and the provision of the country with fertilizers.
“First of all, I would like to thank the Government of Canada for supporting Ukraine, in particular, in solving the problem of grain storage deficit. Canada was one of the first to provide financial aid for the purchase of temporary storage facilities,” said the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.
He stressed that the question of grain storages became pressing after the aggressor’s invasion into Ukraine and export blockade of Ukrainian products. Despite the partial unblocking of sales and transportation, the perspective of the grain corridor remains uncertain, so the question of storage facilities does not lose its significance, as it ensures proper storage of the harvest which is a vital product.
Also Mr. Mykola Solskyi spoke about the problems experienced by the farmers. Adverse weather conditions and the consequences of the military invasion resulted in the profits decrease for agrarians this year, as well as put in danger the financial capacity of farmers to sow winter wheat or barley. According to the words of the Minister, the supply of any other grain crop that can be sown in spring will be a desirable support for the farmers.
The Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine emphasized the necessity to supply additional power units to the farmers and agricultural producers.
“Systematic and targeted bombardments of infrastructure facilities aim to eliminate energy capabilities of Ukraine, and do not allow to ensure the continuity of processes as well as preserve the existing capacities of the agricultural sector. Without proper power supply the farmers, agricultural producers and virtually the entire chain of the agricultural complex will sustain losses. The provision of diesel generators will be a real solution to the energy collapse caused by the enemy,” emphasized Mr. Mykola Solskyi during the meeting.
Additionally, the parties discussed the possibility of supply to Ukraine of various types of fertilizers particularly nitrogen, phosphorus and potash-based.
“It is important for us to understand the needs of the agricultural sector of Ukraine and, if possible, to provide everything necessary to support it”, – said Mr. Harjit Sajjan.
During the meeting, the parties also outlined further detailed steps that will allow Ukraine to receive the necessary assistance and agreed to work together on a number of topics discussed. Both leaders are committed to further close cooperation for the solution of bilateral agro-political questions.
“Once again we received powerful support messages from Canada to Ukraine. The cooperation is getting stronger.” summarized Mr. Mykola Solskyi.