News Alert: Black Sea Grain Deal’s Collapse Could Cost Millions of Lives

July 17, 2023

WASHINGTON DC - Following news that Russia has pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative ahead of its expiration today, Mercy Corps urges all parties to the deal to immediately negotiate its renewal, as millions of lives hang in the balance. Failure to do so will have devastating effects on food insecure countries in Africa, parts of the Middle East, and Asia as these regions heavily rely on imported grains to meet their food demands. With the collapse of the deal, the availability of affordable grain will be severely limited, exacerbating the existing global food crisis.

The deal’s collapse is a major stumbling block with global implications. Wheat prices jumped 3.5% as the news broke. The deal has been successfully renewed three times since its inception one year ago, mitigating some of the worst impacts caused by the war on food-insecure countries around the world. 

Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Mercy Corps Chief Executive Officer, says: 

“The breakdown of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is catastrophic. For many around the world, this is a matter of life and death. To eat, or not to eat. With 24 million people already on the brink of famine, lives will be lost. The question now is how many.

“The deal’s collapse couldn’t come at a worse time as an even more dire food crisis is unfolding this year compared to last. Food shortages in lower-income countries due to the lack of available fertilizers and price increases are compounding the effects of a rapidly changing climate and volatile economic conditions. The consequences of the deal’s failure are grave and extend beyond immediate food shortages and increased prices. Prolonged food insecurity will lead to malnutrition, long-term health issues, and forced displacement affecting millions of people globally.

“Mercy Corps strongly urges all parties involved to resume negotiations immediately and explore every possible avenue, including the UN and bilateral engagement with all parties. It is critical to find an immediate solution that ensures the stability of grain exports from the Black Sea region, mitigates ongoing global food price volatility and guarantees affordable access to food for countries struggling to feed their populations.”

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