Ukraine: Switzerland helps safeguard grain harvest
Berna, 23.09.2026 — Switzerland is providing CHF 3 million in support of a project run by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to safeguard the Ukrainian grain harvest and prepare for the next planting season. Providing additional storage capacity should prevent crop losses and safeguard the livelihoods of farms in regions affected by the war. The project was a topic of discussion for Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council’s Delegate for Ukraine, during his visit to Kyiv from 20 to 23 September.
Russian attacks on transport vessels in the Black Sea, port facilities and agricultural infrastructure are hampering the storage and export of Ukrainian agricultural products. As a result, there is a risk that a portion of the forthcoming harvest will go to waste. Switzerland is participating in an FAO programme which provides temporary storage facilities for grain and oilseed and offers financial support to smaller farms to help them prepare for the next planting season. Special storage containers are being used which can keep the harvested crops for several months. These plastic grain sleeves offer greater flexibility when it comes to overcoming export restraints and thus also contribute to food security in other countries. Smaller farms also receive support in sourcing seed, fertiliser and fuel for the upcoming planting season.
The support is being provided at the request of the Ukrainian Government. It helps to maintain agricultural production and to ensure supplies to the Ukrainian population and international markets. At the same time, it complements Switzerland’s support for humanitarian mine clearance, an objective of which is to make agricultural land usable again.
Talks on implementing the regional programme
During his visit, the Federal Council’s Delegate for Ukraine, Jacques Gerber, spoke with the Ukrainian Minister for Agriculture about support for the agricultural sector. He also met the Minister for Digital Transformation, the Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport, the Minister for Communities, Territories Development and Internally Displaced Persons, and the Ministers for Education and the Economy. The discussions focused on the continued implementation of the Swiss country programme.
The Ukraine Country Programme for 2025–2028 has a budget of CHF 1.5 billion. It provides support for economic recovery, improved public services and protecting the civilian population.
Link:
Switzerland's support for people affected by the war in Ukraine (EDA)
Ukraine (SECO)
Ukraine (SDC)
Contact / enquiries:
Office of the Federal Council Delegate for Ukraine,
c/o Communication EAER; +41 58 462 20 07; info@gs-wbf.admin.ch