UN: War in Ukraine to hurt poor nations importing grain

By FRANCES D’EMILIO
Associated Press

ROME (AP) — The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization is warning that poorer countries in northern Africa, Asia and the Middle East that depend heavily on wheat imports risk suffering significant food insecurity because of Russia’s war in Ukraine. A report from the agency Friday noted that Ukraine and Russia together account for one-third of global grain exports. The conflict risks driving up already soaring food prices globally. The U.N. agency says it’s unclear if other countries can fill the gap left by Russia and Ukraine, warning that wheat inventories are already low in Canada. It says the U.S., Argentina and other wheat-producing nations are likely to limit exports as governments seek to ensure domestic supply.