COLUMBUS  – Ukraine is referred to as the "Breadbasket of Europe" but the war with Russia threatens the nation's ability to reap the reward of its harvest.

What You Need To Know

  • The war between Russia and Ukraine continues

  • The fighting could lead to major implications for the world's wheat supply 

  • Each week, Chuck Ringwalt and Andy Vance discuss a topic of importance within agriculture

"When we talk about wheat, Russia and Ukraine account for 14% of global wheat production," agriculture expert Andy Vance said.

Vance said the two nations are prominent exporters.

"[Ukraine and Russia] produce a lot more than their citizens consume. About 30% of global wheat exports come from Ukraine and Russian farmers. The farmers in Ukraine now rank fourth, contributing over 15% of world corn exports," he said.

Vance said researchers expect the Russian invasion of Ukraine to affect Spring planting season.

"[It's] highly likely as we get closer to when those seeds should be going in the ground, that farmers, frankly, have more pressing concerns like defending their homes and families from an unjust invasion, so we're also going to be talking about how long and how severe this conflict lasts, whether or not they're going to be able to get much of a crop in the field," Vance said.

Vance said nations are stepping in to fill the void, including the United States.

"You know, the United States has some great programs for helping countries like Ukraine. The Food for Peace program is one of the most popular," he said. 

Related Stories