Miller Magazine Issue: 156 December 2022

24 MILLER / DECEMBER 2022 NEWS The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows for Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea, was extended for an additional 120 days beginning November 19, 2022. The deal will continue with the same provisions as before. The termination of the deal would have a negative impact on international grain prices and global food security. The UN-brokered deal which is implemented through a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) in Istanbul involving Russia, Ukraine, and Türkiye, was signed in July, to allow grain, oil and other foodstuffs to leave the war-torn coun- try for markets overseas – many of which are in desperate need of food from Europe’s “breadbasket” to stave off the threat of famine. On 29 October, Russia said it was suspending its coop- eration and would no longer guarantee the safe passage along the agreed humanitarian corridor of ships through the Black Sea, claiming that Ukraine had launched an attack on its military vessels in Crimea. Russia’s temporary suspension of the initiative in October raised fears that the deal may not be renewed beyond the 18 November deadline. The termi- nation of the deal would have a negative impact on Ukraine, international grain prices and global food security. “In accordance with the resolution reached by Türkiye, the UN, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine, the Black Sea Grain Initiative was extended for an additional 120 days be- ginning November 19, 2022, as a result of the quadrilateral discussions hosted by Türkiye,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on 17 November. “With the de- livery of more than 11 million tonnes of grains and foodstuffs to those in need via approximately 500 ships over the past four months, the significance and benefits of this agree- ment for the food supply and security of the world have become evident,” he added. In a statement welcoming the extension of landmark deal, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was grate- ful for the “diplomatic efforts” of Türkiye. “I welcome the agreement by all parties to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate the safe navigation of export of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukraine,” he said in the state- ment. “The United Nations is fully committed to supporting the Joint Coordination Centre so that this vital supply line continues to function smoothly. The United Nations is also fully committed to removing the remaining obstacles to exporting food and fertilizers from the Russian Federation. Both agreements signed in Istanbul three months ago are essential to bring down the prices of food and fertilizer and avoid a global food crisis.” Russia and Ukraine account for roughly 30 per cent of all wheat and barley exports, a fifth of its maize, and more than half of all sunflower oil. Black Sea grain deal renewed for 120 days