EU asks member countries to avoid measures that distort food markets

The European Commission (EC) has asked Member States to avoid “uncoordinated” measures that could disrupt agri-food markets, affected by energy and input prices and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The first meeting of the European Mechanism for Preparedness and Response to a Food Security Crisis, organized by the EC, brought together representatives of the Member States and the large groups of the food industry on Tuesday.

At the meeting, the participants “highlighted the need to have a single market that works and minimize disturbances in the markets,” according to community sources.

Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski pointed out during the meeting that “there is a temptation to decide too quickly and in an uncoordinated way” and considered the “possible export restrictions recently presented within the European Union, an example of uncoordinated action that we must avoid”, indicated community sources.

Some countries, such as Hungary, have restricted exports of certain agricultural products to ensure a reserve due to fears generated by the conflict in Ukraine.

The commissioner warned that this approach “would destabilize the markets and further increase the risks.”

The presentations of the experts showed that the European Union (EU) “is not at risk of food shortages and that the immediate impact refers above all to the increase in prices throughout the food supply chain, trade flows to and from towards Ukraine and Russia and its impact on global food security,” the sources said.

The event addressed the impact of the Russian invasion on the agri-food sector, given that Ukraine and Russia are key suppliers, especially in the field of animal feed.

52% of EU maize imports and 23% of vegetable oil imports come from Ukraine.

Some Member States, such as Spain, have asked the EC to adopt urgent measures to ensure supply to the European market of the most affected products, especially cereals and oilseeds.

The expert group will meet again on 23 March to start work on improving the EU’s preparedness for food security crises.

Among other things, it wants to map the risks and vulnerabilities of the EU’s food supply chain and its critical infrastructures, and create a communication channel for the exchange of information.

On the other hand, at today’s meeting the European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the “From Farm to Fork” strategy, for more sustainable food production and consumption.

Rumors have circulated in recent weeks about a possible review by Brussels of the objectives of this strategy, which aims, among other objectives, to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.