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Türkiye Working to Prevent
Global Food Crisis and Revive Grain Corridor

Odessa Marine Trade Port.

Türkiye is stepping up its efforts to prevent a looming global food crisis by focusing on the revival of the Black Sea grain corridor. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking during his return from the G-20 summit in India, emphasized that Türkiye is the only nation actively striving to avert a global food crisis.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, previously brokered by the U.N. and Türkiye, played a vital role in ensuring global food supplies, especially for nations in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. However, the pact collapsed after Russia withdrew its participation, citing unmet agreements and issues related to Ukrainian grain distribution.

Erdoğan stressed Türkiye’s commitment to restarting this key wartime agreement to facilitate the safe shipment of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of essential goods like wheat, barley, and sunflower oil, which are relied upon by developing nations.

Exacerbating Global Food Insecurity

The disruption of this pact has led to concerns about global food inflation, impacting least-developed countries. Türkiye has advocated for a revival of this initiative, and Erdoğan plans to discuss this matter further with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Additionally, Türkiye has proposed a new plan, in collaboration with Qatar and Russia, to supply up to 1 million metric tons of grain to countries in need. This initiative aims to ease the hunger crisis in least-developed African nations.

The global grain deal issue is expected to be a top priority at the United Nations General Assembly, underlining its significance in addressing global food security.

Children at an emergency tent city in Turkey receiving food from volunteers

Dealing with a Food Crisis at Home

Türkiye’s dedication to reviving the Black Sea grain corridor has significant implications for global hunger. The collapse of this pact has disrupted essential food supplies to developing nations, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where millions rely on imports of wheat, barley, and sunflower oil.

Türkiye’s proactive role in resolving this crisis is crucial in preventing food inflation and ensuring that disadvantaged countries do not face hunger. The country is doing all these as it grapples with food security within its own borders.

In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Turkey, the nation faces a severe food crisis. Millions of people in the Hatay / Antakya region were affected, with homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods reduced to rubble. The earthquake’s magnitude, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, is the most powerful recorded in Turkey since 1939.

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