The Ukrainian Agri Council welcomes the decision of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on the inappropriateness of further limitation of the export of grain, as Ukraine's food security is not threatened.

It has been repeatedly emphasized on the harmfulness and even catastrophic nature of the restrictions on grain exports for the agricultural sector. In particular, the President and the Government drew attention to the fact that this could lead to the collapse of the agrarian industry of Ukraine: falling purchase prices, lower foreign exchange revenues, the flourishing of corruption and "trading" quotas.

Moreover, there are no prerequisites for limiting grain exports at this time. According to data prepared by UAC analysts, the remainder of wheat at the end of the marketing year is 21% higher than the estimated total annual use of wheat in the domestic market. This is more than enough to meet the needs of processing companies, even in the event of a sharp increase in demand triggered by panic.

Today the agricultural sector accounts for 17% of the country's GDP and provides 40% of its foreign exchange earnings. At a time when the economy of the country has virtually stopped due to quarantine measures in connection with the pandemic of the coronavirus, uninterrupted export of grain and foreign exchange earnings to Ukraine are vital.

UAC thanks the President for his thoughtful position for the country and the support of farmers in the difficult times. We also thank the Ukrainian Grain Association for their continued public position on the inappropriateness of banning grain exports.