Ukraine Faces Grain Storage Shortage as Export Issues Mount
The All-Ukrainian Farmers Congress has sounded the alarm about an impending grain storage shortage due to export issues. The situation on the wheat market is extremely unstable as of July 27, 2026, caused by three main factors: active harvesting, logistics problems related to the security situation in the Black Sea, and caution among traders.
The Congress emphasizes that this issue directly affects every farm and cannot be ignored. The cost of grain is constantly increasing due to higher prices for fuel, fertilizers, plant protection products, machinery, salaries, and logistics. As a result, many farms are operating at the brink of profitability.
The problem of exports is particularly acute. Due to constant Russian attacks on port infrastructure, shipowners are not willing to enter Ukrainian ports without war risk insurance. If such insurance is unavailable or too expensive, some vessels bypass Ukrainian ports, reducing available tonnage and increasing transportation costs, which ultimately puts pressure on purchasing prices within the country.
The All-Ukrainian Farmers Congress believes that this problem needs to be addressed immediately. Ukraine cannot influence Russia's actions, but it can take measures to provide more avenues for Ukrainian grain to reach global markets. Effective mechanisms for war risk insurance are needed to allow ships to continue working with Ukrainian ports. Alternative export routes, including the Danube, railways, and western borders, also need to be explored.
The Congress forecasts that if export opportunities are not expanded in the near future, the accumulation of harvest against the backdrop of logistical problems may lead to a shortage of grain storage capacity. Therefore, alternative storage methods, such as sleeve storage and quick-assembly modular grain storage facilities, need to be explored now. Another area that requires urgent resolution is mechanisms for refinancing farmers to replenish working capital, which will help farms survive this challenging period.