Norway to provide seed support to Ukraine
Press release | Date: 19/01/2023 | Last updated: 20/01/2023 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
‘Norway is providing substantial support to Ukraine. We are now allocating NOK 40 million to the UN as seed support for 3 000 smallholder farmers in conflict-affected areas in Ukraine. This will help to ensure access to food for many people,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
The funding allocated by Norway will help to provide seed support to 3000 smallholder farmers in nine conflict-affected areas in Ukraine. The seed will be purchased and distributed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
‘It is vital that Ukrainian farmers receive enough seed in time for planting. Food production in Ukraine provides food for millions of people in many countries, including developing countries. It is essential that the seed arrives in time for the spring sowing season in March,’ said Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.
Ukraine has a population of 40 million, and typically produces enough food for roughly 400 million people. War in the country has had a severe impact on food production. Ukraine has requested support to purchase and distribute seed.
‘The war in Ukraine may last for a long time. The scale of need is enormous and is increasing, and we are prepared to provide support in the long term. Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine is also jeopardising people’s livelihoods. It is threatening food security across the country and in many other countries that rely on food from Ukraine,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.
The seed will be sourced locally and will go to farmers who apply for assistance via the State Agrarian Registry (SAR) in Ukraine. Support for individual farmers will vary, but the basic package will provide 2 tonnes of high-quality crop seed, enough to sow 10 hectares of farmland.
‘This will help to maintain the local seed markets, and thus also local food markets and access to food. The use of locally produced seed is the most sustainable option, and reduces the risk of failed harvests,’ said Ms Tvinnereim.
Norway provided approximately NOK 10.7 billion in civilian and military support to Ukraine in 2022. Norway has so far allocated NOK 3 billion in support for 2023.
More information about Norway’s support to Ukraine and neighbouring countries can be found here: Norwegian support to Ukraine and neighbouring countries – regjeringen.no.