UK and Ukraine Join Forces with Innovative Scheme to Safeguard Food Security

The UK is stepping up to support Ukraine with the launch of the Grain Verification Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tracking and preventing the theft of grain from occupied areas. This scheme is part of the UK's landmark 100-year partnership with Ukraine and is a testament to the enduring bond between the two nations.

Using state-of-the-art scientific techniques, the UK has developed a comprehensive database that can determine exactly where grain has been grown and harvested. This cutting-edge technology will be handed over to Ukraine in the coming weeks, equipping them with the tools needed to combat grain theft and ensure their agricultural economy remains robust.

The scheme was announced at the Global Forum for Food & Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin, where UK Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine's Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Vitaliy Koval. This partnership underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s food security and sovereignty.

Minister Zeichner emphasised the significance of the scheme, stating, "The UK’s support for Ukraine is ironclad. The Grain Verification Scheme will support Ukraine’s essential food supply and help guarantee their security in the face of Russian aggression. Using the latest science, we can track grain to its source – identifying stolen grain to help Ukraine take back what’s theirs."

Ukraine initially sought support from G7 countries to trace grain stolen from territories under Russian control and sold on the international market. With the UK’s scientific expertise and commitment to standing by Ukraine, the Grain Verification Scheme is set to play a crucial role in safeguarding Ukraine’s agricultural integrity and ensuring their position as a key global supplier of produce.

Beyond defence, the 100-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine extends to non-military areas, such as agriculture, reinforcing their mutual commitment to economic and social development.

While in Berlin, Minister Zeichner also signed a communique at the GFFA, reaffirming the UK government's dedication to global food security and sustainable agri-food systems. This annual conference, attended by over 60 ministers from around the world, focused on the critical role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security on a global scale.

The minister participated in a breakout session where he highlighted the importance of transitioning to low-emission fertilisers to combat climate change. He stressed the need to strike a balance between food production and environmental stewardship, remarking, "This government is committed to a farming sector that delivers for the environment, because without nature there can be no food production."

Fertiliser production and consumption contribute to 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Recognising this challenge, the UK government is investing up to £15 million in nutrient management innovation projects. These initiatives aim to improve the efficiency of fertiliser use while reducing emissions, ultimately benefiting farmers and the environment.

In addition, the UK is supporting farmers with £6.8 million in funding for new digital tools to plan nutrient applications and research into biostimulants and novel fertilisers. These efforts are crucial to enabling British farms to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining high yields and productivity.

The UK’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its borders. Official Development Assistance Research and Development funding has been allocated to explore the potential of biofertilisers, also known as biostimulants, in developing countries. These biofertilisers have the potential to enhance agricultural yields while preserving natural resources, offering a sustainable solution to global food challenges.

The global transition to low-emission fertiliser production is gaining momentum, and the UK government is determined to lead the way. By fostering innovation and investing in research, the UK aims to help farmers maximise their efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve livelihoods.

The launch of the Grain Verification Scheme and the UK’s commitment to sustainable agriculture underscore the strength of the UK-Ukraine partnership. This initiative is not just about preventing grain theft; it is about securing Ukraine’s future as a major agricultural power and ensuring stability in the global food supply chain.

The UK’s proactive approach demonstrates that it is not just offering words of support but delivering tangible, science-driven solutions that will have a lasting impact. As the database is handed over to Ukraine, the hope is that it will serve as a powerful tool in the fight against illegal grain trading and reinforce Ukraine’s agricultural resilience.

With this bold step forward, the UK has shown that it stands firmly with Ukraine, not just today, but for the next century and beyond.