KYIV, Sept 24 – One of the priorities of Ukraine is the development of an efficient agriculture system and the formation of global trust in food safety standards, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address to the UN Food Systems Summit in New York.

"Ukraine is one of the global leaders in the food market. Therefore, the summit's subject is important for us. We are aware of our responsibility in ensuring food security. Ukraine is a reliable partner and even in the most panicky periods of the spread of COVID-19 did not create any restrictions on the supply of food," Zelensky said.

Ukraine understands what contribution it can make to ensuring more sustainable and equitable consumption, and is actively working on these tasks, he said.

"Our priority will remain the development of an efficient agriculture system and the formation of global trust in the application of the established food safety standards. Further sustainable development of national food systems is important. We have significant potential to increase our role in the formation of a sustainable food supply," Zelensky said.

Ukraine has taken a number of important steps towards this ambitious plan implementation, he said. The country joined the Committee on World Food Security and chaired the International Grains Council. In addition, a full-fledged land market has been launched in Ukraine since July 1.

According to Zelensky, among the priorities of the draft national roadmap for the food systems transformation in Ukraine is the initiative "Healthy Eating for All."

Other important tasks, according to the head of state, include the movement towards climate neutrality of production: this goal can be achieved in the horizon of 2050.

"However, its achievement should not turn into unnecessary subsidies for wealthy farmers from developed countries. Aid should be received by those who really need it, namely farmers from developing countries. Climate policy should not lead to further economic inequality," Zelensky said.

The president believes it is necessary to strengthen the domestic market and stimulate exports.

"Our goal on this path is to ensure food security, the transition to sustainable models of production and marketing, as well as the development of the necessary financial instruments," he said.

"We are ready to continue working together with partners and develop our food systems amid the global challenges facing humanity, both existing and future," Zelensky said. (om/ez)