Switzerland provides CHF 3 million to safeguard grain harvest in Ukraine

Switzerland is providing CHF 3 million in financial support for a project run by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to safeguard the Ukrainian grain harvest and prepare for the upcoming planting season. Providing additional storage capacity is designed to prevent crop losses and protect the livelihoods of farms operating in regions affected by the ongoing war. The project was a primary topic of discussion during the visit of Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council's Delegate for Ukraine, to Kyiv from September 20 to 23, 2026.

Russian attacks on transport vessels in the Black Sea, port facilities, and agricultural infrastructure continue to severely hamper the storage and export of Ukrainian agricultural commodities. As a consequence, there is a tangible risk that a portion of the forthcoming harvest could go to waste. To address this challenge, Switzerland is participating in an FAO program that supplies temporary storage facilities for grain and oilseed crops while offering financial assistance to smaller farms to help them prepare for the next planting season.

The initiative utilizes special storage containers, known as plastic grain sleeves, which can safely store harvested crops for several months. These flexible storage solutions help overcome export constraints and contribute significantly to food security in international markets. Furthermore, smaller farming operations receive essential support in sourcing quality seeds, fertilizers, and fuel for upcoming agricultural activities.

This support is being delivered at the explicit request of the Ukrainian government to maintain domestic agricultural production and ensure steady supplies for both the Ukrainian population and global markets. The intervention complements Switzerland's broader contributions to humanitarian mine clearance efforts, which aim to make agricultural land safe and usable once again. During his visit, Jacques Gerber met with Ukraine's Minister for Agriculture and other high-ranking officials.

The discussions in Kyiv also focused on the ongoing implementation of the Swiss country program for 2025–2028, which commands a budget of CHF 1.5 billion. The comprehensive program provides targeted support for economic recovery, the improvement of public services, and the protection of the civilian population amidst the ongoing crisis.