However, the high costs of energy and fertilizers are currently putting great strain on agriculture, the minister said on Tuesday. In order to continue to guarantee the supply, Köstinger calls, among other things, for “green corridors” for exports from the Ukraine and a further strengthening of self-sufficiency. More about this in the video:
High degree of self-sufficiency
The politician explained at a press conference that Austria is currently ensuring a very high degree of self-sufficiency in the area of staple foods. However, no one can predict what the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine will bring in the coming weeks and months. Especially with a view to next autumn, it is therefore important to take further security measures, she said after a summit on food safety, which was attended by Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) and Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens), among others.
Green corridors demanded
Intensive work is currently being done to create options for food transport from Ukraine via the Ukrainian overland route – so-called “green corridors”. This not only helps Ukraine itself, but also supports the supply in Europe. In addition, it would be possible to prevent countless quantities of food from rotting in the “granary of Europe”, which is currently happening in some Ukrainian regions, according to the minister.
Another point discussed at the summit concerns the strengthening of self-sufficiency in Austria. In this context, the minister once again called for derelict land in Austria to be put into production. Ultimately, this could also help to cushion the currently very high price increases for food.
Source: Nachrichten
