The supply of poorer countries with food is in danger because of the Ukraine war. So that few people are burdened by high prices, EU agriculture should switch to crisis mode.
More food production against the threat of famine: The EU Commission has set the course for crisis production in agriculture.
Farmers in the EU should in future be allowed to use arable land intended for environmental protection in order to grow food and feed there, the EU Commission announced. How much the Commission believes this could increase production has not been disclosed.
In addition, farmers in the EU are to be supported with almost 500 million euros. This is to ensure that rising prices for fertilizer and fuel, for example, do not affect food security. Farmers who produce sustainably should have priority.
Devastating consequences for poorer countries
Because of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, devastating consequences are feared, especially for poorer countries. Ukraine and Russia are important producers of cheap grain, 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.
In a speech in the European Parliament, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also said that Russia was blocking hundreds of grain ships in the Black Sea. The consequences would be felt from Africa to Asia. “I call on Putin to let these ships sail,” she said to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Millions in aid for farmers
The millions in aid for the farmers come from EU funds, but can be expanded with national funds. According to the information, around 60 million are planned for Germany, the second highest single amount behind France with almost 90 million euros. In addition, higher advances for farmers from funds from the common EU agricultural policy are planned. The FDP agricultural politician Gero Hocker emphasized that the help must reach the companies unbureaucratically. CDU politician Norbert Lins also welcomed the Commission’s plans.
In order to make food more affordable, the Commission is also proposing that EU countries lower the VAT rates on it. The WWF emphasized: “A central problem is above all the high food prices, which are caused in particular by increased energy prices.” It is therefore important to immediately provide the World Food Program of the United Nations with additional funds.
The German Farmers’ Association welcomed the EU Commission’s plan. The Commission recognized the need to prioritize safe nutrition. That is why the EU plans for more environmental and climate protection should also be readjusted. For example, the use of pest controllers should not be reduced across the board.
criticism from environmentalists
Environmentalists and politicians from the SPD and Greens criticize that the measure is being taken in the wrong places. The potential additional yields on EU agricultural land are minimal on a global scale. It would be more effective if less land was used for animal feed and more for food production. According to Greenpeace, 71 percent of agricultural land in the EU is used to feed animals, and by no means only in the form of grazing land: 60 percent of arable land in the EU is used to grow animal feed, it said.
The SPD MEP Maria Noichl criticized the projects as ideas from the day before yesterday. In times of crisis, you have to change course and produce less food for the trough and more for the plate. The global animal population must be reduced. For this purpose, subsidies that promoted more animal husbandry could be reduced and, if in doubt, slaughter premiums could be introduced. She also emphasized that food must be produced where it is needed.
Contrary to what was initially announced without obligation, a proposal for specifications for the use of pest controllers was not part of Wednesday’s package. The Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation saw this as giving in to the agricultural lobby. The Commission contradicts: The corresponding preview can change again and again for different reasons, it said.
Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
