Today, the exports of grains and other foodstuffs under the Black Sea Grain Initiative surpassed one million metric tons. This is a remarkable achievement made possible by the collective efforts and hard work of all representatives at the Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul in its first month.

Since the JCC started its operations on 1 August, it has enabled dozens of voyages through the Black Sea. Today, its joint teams have conducted the 100th inspection on board approved cargo vessels. Through this unique operation grains and other food from Ukraine are once again en route to three continents so far.

As the world grapples with food insecurity and high prices, the importance of this Initiative is clear. As increased volumes of Ukraine’s agricultural production are now heading to market by sea, confidence has grown in the food and shipping industries, driving down prices and reducing risk.

While this agreement covers commercial operations for the resumption of exports, the Initiative has also enabled the World Food Programme to restart purchasing wheat from Ukraine for its humanitarian operations in hunger-struck countries, like Ethiopia and Yemen.

These are all important first steps but much more needs to be done. Across the world, high prices in fuel and fertilizer, climate change and conflict are placing immense pressure on farmers and consumers alike and driving millions more into poverty and hunger.

The silos in Ukraine are still stocked with millions of tons of produce from previous harvests. The Black Sea Grain Initiative has started creating some space but much more grain needs to shift to make space for the new harvest.

Equally important and urgent is the export of fertilizer, including ammonia, under this Initiative, so that farmers across the world can continue food production for next year at an affordable cost.

These million tons are just a beginning: the world cannot afford to have food and fertilizer held up by anything. Every shipment cleared through this route helps to calm markets, boost food supplies and keep farmers producing.

For more info, contact: Ismini Palla (Ms), Black Sea Grain Initiative, Joint Coordination Centre, palla@un.org , +962770996330 (Mobile/WhatsApp/Signal)