March 3, 2022

The EU to allow farmers to use fallow land to counter grains disruptions

The European Union (EU) plans to allow farmers to use fallow land to grow crops for livestock feed, as grains supply from Ukraine has been disrupted due to Russia's invasion, Reuters reported.

Since Russia's invasion, wheat prices in Europe have soared to all time highs. Both Russia and Ukraine are major worldwide grains exporters.

Trading companies have turned to wheat and corn from the EU to replace Ukrainian supplies for export, but the EU is also heavily reliant on imports of corn and sunflower seeds to be used as livestock feed.

Julien Denormandie, France's Agriculture Minister, said a number of EU member states have proposed to use set-aside land for growing protein crops.

He said the European Commission will study how to apply this measure, which would change EU farm policy rules on preserving soils and biodiversity. Proposals will be presented at the next ministers' meeting on March 21.

InVivo, a French cooperative group and one of the biggest agricultural companies in Europe, said a waiving of set-aside rules under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy could boost cultivated area by 10-15% and increase EU wheat production.

Thierry Blandinieres, InVivo chief executive, also urged the EU to provide aid to farmers to assist with increasing fertiliser costs. InVivo distributes farm supplies and produces fertiliser.

The EU will also look into relief measures for the pig and poultry sectors.

-      Reuters