Ukraine is negotiating with Italy on additional assistance for temporary grain storage. The need for additional capacity has increased sharply following attacks on the port infrastructure of Greater Odesa and the resulting decline in maritime exports. In August, Ukraine managed to export only around one-third of its potential agricultural export volume. Alternative routes could increase this figure to approximately 50%, but they cannot fully replace Black Sea ports.
Ukraine's agricultural export potential is estimated at around 60 million tonnes. If logistics restrictions persist, a significant share of the new harvest will remain inside the country for longer than usual, increasing demand for additional storage capacity. One of the fastest solutions is the use of grain storage bags, each capable of holding approximately 200 tonnes of agricultural products.
Ukraine has already secured around US$35 million in international support for temporary grain storage, including US$25 million from the World Bank and approximately US$10 million from other international partners. However, additional funding is still required. According to estimates from Ukraine's Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, the shortage of storage capacity could reach 7–11 million tonnes if export restrictions continue.
Italy is considering providing additional assistance through FAO programmes. Possible measures include not only supplying grain storage bags but also introducing a voucher system that would allow farmers to obtain the equipment and services they need directly. Ukraine and Italy also intend to cooperate on restoring port infrastructure, developing rail routes and strengthening the European Solidarity Lanes.