NEW YORK, NEW YORK, US —The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is entering into an agreement with Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food to enhance coordination between the nation’s agriculture and food sectors and build a partnership to address food security.

“Since February the world has witnessed Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine and the disruption it is causing to agricultural production, trade, and most importantly, food security,” said US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Russia’s actions are posing major threats not only to the people of Ukraine but to countries in Africa and the Middle East that rely on the grains and other staples produced in Ukraine. Russia is using food as a weapon and a tool of war to threaten the livelihoods of those around the world, and that is something the agriculture community cannot and will not stand for.”

Vilsack said the agreement will leverage the collective strength to enhance productivity, address supply chain issues and identify food security challenges.

“This is an important step forward and when implemented will allow us to better fight global food insecurity together,” Vilsack said.

The agreement will establish a three-year partnership driven by the need to address the economic disruptions in the United States and worldwide due to the Russian war on Ukraine. It is the latest action being taken by the USDA as the Biden-Harris Administration addresses these problems through an all-of-government approach.

The US and Ukraine will agree to the consistent exchange of information and expertise regarding crop production, emerging technologies, climate-smart practices, food security, and supply chain issues to boost productivity and enhance both agricultural sectors.