As of: 03/23/2022 4:39 p.m
In view of feared import losses, for example of grain from Ukraine, the EU Commission has presented plans for increased food production within the EU. Brussels wants to spend a lot of money on this.
The Russian attack on Ukraine, also considered the breadbasket of Europe, threatens food security in the country itself and other parts of the world. To counteract this, the EU Commission has presented a bundle of measures and plans for increased food production in the EU. Reducing the dependence of European agriculture on energy and feed imports is “more than ever a necessity,” said the Commission. However, there is no threat of food shortages in the EU.
Temporary management of brownfields
To boost production, the commission plans to temporarily allow the cultivation of fallow land that is supposed to be used to promote biodiversity. Forage crops such as soya and maize, which are needed for animal fattening, should now be allowed to be grown on these areas. So far, more than half of the corn in the EU has come from Ukraine. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and associations fear that this could undermine the goals for more sustainable agriculture.
In order to support European farmers with price fluctuations and with production, there should also be around 500 million euros in financial aid. According to the Commission, around 60 million euros are earmarked for farmers in Germany. The funds are to come from the so-called crisis reserve for the agricultural sector, which is provided for in the EU budget for the current year. The proposals still have to be approved by the member states and the EU Parliament.
Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir meanwhile appealed to the citizens not to panic because of the Ukraine war and rising prices when shopping and possibly to stock up unnecessarily. “Please do not buy hamsters, there is no reason for that. We have ensured the supply,” said the Green politician on RTL.
Devastating consequences for poorer countries feared
EU Commission presents package of measures to increase EU agricultural products
Michael Grytz, ARD Brussels, tagesschau24 Extra 4 p.m., March 23, 2022
However, devastating consequences are feared for poorer countries. Ukraine and Russia are major producers of cheap grains – especially wheat. According to the EU Commission, the two countries together supply around 34 percent of the wheat for the world markets. Importers such as Yemen, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sudan and Nigeria are already severely affected by food insecurity.
Ukraine is also to be given massive support: It must be ensured that the Ukrainians have enough food, fuel and water, said EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski. “We will also help them continue to sow and grow the grains and oilseeds they desperately need for themselves and for the world, and to facilitate their exports.”
EU circles have said that wheat is already in the soil in Ukraine, but that corn and sunflowers should also be sown in the next few weeks. However, there is a lack of seeds, fertilizer, diesel and workers. According to the epd news agency, an immediate program of 330 million euros for Ukraine should help. It was initially unclear how much of this would flow into agriculture alone and how much into other sectors. The Commission said the money should be used to pay for basic goods and services, but also to ensure energy security and rebuild infrastructure.
Michael Grytz, ARD Brussels, on concerns about the food supply
Michael Grytz, ARD Brussels, tagesschau24 Extra 4 p.m., March 23, 2022
Price regulation for electricity and gas
Shortly before an EU summit in Brussels, the European Commission presented more concrete measures for lower energy prices in Europe. The Brussels authority proposed a law for mandatory gas reserves to secure energy supplies next winter. At the same time, she listed possible emergency measures such as price caps to protect consumers from the sharp rise in prices. The heads of state and government of the EU countries are to deal with this at their meeting on Thursday and Friday.
Joint gas purchases are also being considered. According to the Commission’s legislative proposal, EU countries should ensure that their gas reserves are 80 percent full by November 1st this year, and 90 percent by the deadline in the next few years. This should secure the gas supply and curb price fluctuations. In Germany, there are already plans for similar measures which, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, should come into force in May.