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News
Ukrainian grain stuck due to sea blockade
EU ministers reveal they are seeking to release millions of tonnes of grain stuck in Ukraine by Russia’s Black Sea port blockade.
EU foreign minsters discussed at a meeting in Luxembourg last week how they might free up an enormous stash of grain and wheat that is currently languishing in Ukraine.
Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine and seized control of its sea ports, more than 20 million tonnes of grain have been sitting in silos, unable to leave the country.
Such significant supplies could help to plug the shortage of wheat and grains much needed by drinks makers around the world, who are crying out for the fundamental ingredient required for brewing beer, as well as crafting spirits such as whisky, gin and vodka.
The EU and the United Nations are now trying to broker a deal to resume Ukraine’s sea exports in return for facilitating Russian food and fertiliser exports, with Turkey offering to take up a role as an “observation mechanism” if such a deal is struck.
According to news agency Reuters, it is unclear whether the EU would be prepared to seek military support in securing such a deal.
“Whether there will be a need in the future for escorting these commercial ships, that’s a question mark and I don’t think we are there yet,” an EU official said.
Ukraine is one of the top global wheat suppliers, and as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, wheat prices have surged to a 14-year high. Together, the two countries account for approximately 29% of global wheat exports.
However, they are not the only nations in murky waters over wheat. Earlier this year, db reported how China was facing its worst wheat harvest in history, with rare, heavy rainfall delaying the planting of around a third of its normal wheat acreage.
Wheat is widely distilled and used as a neutral spirit for blending. This means that a percentage of wheat can not only be found in almost all ‘pure’ spirits such as single malts, but also in blended whiskies, schnapps and sweet liqueurs.