Massive Russian attacks on warehouse infrastructure have complicated the logistics of supplying certain categories of food, but have not created a threat of food shortages in Ukraine. Production remains stable, and business is adapting logistics and moving from large warehouse centers to a more extensive network of smaller warehouses.
This was stated by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotsky.
“As a result of Russian strikes, some of the intermediate warehouses have been destroyed. At the same time, most food products did not pass through these large logistics centers, so Ukraine has enough alternative capacities for stable supply of products. The most sensitive to disruptions in logistics are fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as fresh, chilled and frozen meat and dairy products. The continuity of the cold chain is important for them. But Ukraine produces much more products than we consume, so even in wartime we have sufficient volumes for the domestic market,” Taras Vysotsky noted.
The minister also noted that some products were being relocated. This includes, in particular, the use of underground capacities, and for certain imported and expensive goods, warehouses near the western border.
Currently, according to him, the key need for the agricultural sector is protection and financing. To restore damaged enterprises, affordable lending, war risk insurance and investment support are necessary. Taras Vysotsky emphasized that Ukrainian producers are able to recover and continue working. Even after significant damage, enterprises are looking for opportunities to resume production and restructure logistics. (Agrarian Ministry)