June 26, 2023

European Parliament calls for food security plan in EU, with financial backing to producers

The European Parliament has voted this month in support of a resolution, urging the European Union to become less dependent on third countries and diversify the supply of critical production imports such as fertiliser, feed and raw materials.

Members of the Parliament (MEPs) called for a food security plan based on food stocks, protein and feed strategy and financial support to European producers.

Financing for farmers' access to digital technologies and precision crop management is key to increasing yields and reducing pesticides use and water consumption, MEPs added. A new EU programme should also be created to modernise irrigation facilities and promote new water management infrastructure.

MEPs also advocate for investments in infrastructure for more sustainable transport and storage facilities of farm products. A chapter on food and agricultural products should be part of trade agreements in order to fight unfair competition from third country producers who are subject to less strict legislation.

Acknowledging the European Green Deal as a possible "milestone in the EU's transition to a greener, more sustainable and resilient economy and agriculture", MEPs argued "some of the proposed measures might have unintended effects, which have not yet been properly assessed and identified at farm level." The European Commission should therefore ensure the implementation of the Green Deal that "agricultural entrepreneurship and activity is maintained across the Union from a strategic point of view in terms of food security".

- European Parliament