Ukrainian Farmers Warn of Food Crisis Amid Fertilizer Import Shortages

The All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council (VAR), representing 1,300 small and medium agricultural enterprises, appealed to Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleg Kiper, calling for urgent resolution of the mineral nitrogen fertilizer import issue.

The appeal highlights worsening shortages in the mineral fertilizer market that could soon cause a sharp drop in crop yields.

“The key factor is the ban on importing not only ammonium nitrate grade A, which is explosive, but also other nitrogen fertilizers that are completely safe,” the letter states.

VAR stresses that Ukraine is fully dependent on imported mineral fertilizers, and fertilization happens especially in this season.

“Without this, it is impossible to secure future harvests. If not resolved urgently, the country could face a 30% reduction in key crop yields next year and consequently a food crisis,” VAR warns.

Farmers call on the government and regional authorities to immediately address the issue and unblock imports through Ukrainian seaports for key mineral fertilizers: UAN, ammonium sulfate, urea, potassium chloride, superphosphate, and NPK blends 10-26-26, 8-20-30, 18-18-18, 20-20-20.

“We hope for support and believe that together we can avoid yield losses and preserve the fertility of Ukrainian soils,” farmers emphasize.