Norway pledges additional $4.5 mln to Ukraine’s Grain from Ukraine initiative

 Norway has committed an additional NOK 50 million ($4.5 million) to the Grain from Ukraine initiative.

According to the Norwegian government's official website, this new contribution underscores Norway's commitment to supporting global food security and assisting countries most affected by hunger and high food prices.

"Norway's expanded support highlights its commitment to preventing hunger and fostering stability in regions hardest hit by global crises. We support this initiative while also promoting increased local food production in the Middle East and Africa," stated Norwegian Minister for International Development Anne Beate Tvinnereim.

Launched by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in November 2022, the Grain from Ukraine initiative ensures the safe transportation of Ukrainian grain to developing countries, especially in the Global South. This program gained heightened importance following Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2023, which caused an immediate spike in global food prices.

To date, over 170,000 metric tonnes of Ukrainian grain have been delivered to countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen, and the Gaza Strip. These critical shipments have provided essential relief to regions like Gaza, where over 90% of the population faces acute food insecurity.

Norway's latest NOK 50 million contribution follows an earlier allocation of NOK 100 million to the initiative. Overall, the program has secured commitments exceeding $250 million from more than 25 countries. This funding has facilitated the export of Ukrainian grain and vegetable oil, commodities that accounted for over 15% of global grain exports and more than 50% of sunflower oil exports before the war.