The grain problem
Because of the turbulence between Russia and Ukraine, grain exports to Europe have been at a standstill for quite some time. Food agencies are warning of an impending hunger crisis. We look back at the news we heard this year!
Fear of new grain season in Ukraine
The winter wheat is sown in the months of July and August in Ukraine, but due to the shortage of fuel for the agricultural machines and the shortage of personnel due to the evacuations and assisting the army, this will be very difficult for the harvest of 2022 - 2023. This would mean that the final stocks for the world market would shrink and final products such as bread, biscuits and cattle feed would become more expensive, with all the consequences that this would have.
03-03-2022
Tons of grain blocked
Millions of tons of grain are stuck in the ports of Ukraine, because ports and sea routes are blocked by the Russians. Therefore, farmers are now trying to get the grain out of Ukraine by road, rail and river. But this leads to long delays due to border controls.
30-04-2022
Can a food crisis be prevented?
10-06-2022
It seems that the blockade will last for some time. Therefore, part of the grain is transported by trains, but there are not enough freight cars for that either. Also, Ukraine has a different rail gauge than European countries, so the cargo has to be transhipped at the border. Meanwhile, prices continue to rise and the hunger crisis for Africa and Asia is getting closer. Moreover, Ukrainian farmers are struggling with surpluses, so they cannot store their new harvest this year.
War is imminent between Russia and Ukraine
Russian troops can invade Ukraine at any time and world leaders are threatening sanctions if this happens. Europe, in particular, would benefit from preventing a war, as 30% of its land comes from there. Yet there is tension; will prices rise? Will this scare off investors and banks? And what if the Russians march towards the Heavy Sea ports ... Then the grain trade will come to a standstill!
22-01-2022
The grain sector is holding its breath
After the invasion of Ukraine, tension is rising in the grain market and this is putting pressure on grain prices. Buyers are cautious and wait for more clarity. The inflation forecast is also becoming more threatening due to the higher cost of fertilisers. If farmers can use less fertiliser, they will have fewer harvests, putting further pressure on food prices.
23-02-2022
