On 23 March, the European Commission put forward a range of measures to enhance global food security and to support farmers and consumers in the EU. As a consequence of the conflict in Ukraine, input costs, such as energy and fertilisers, are rising, increasing overall food prices.
In its unveiled plans, the EU Executive aims at safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems with the ultimate objective to make the EU a net food exporter.
To that end the European Commission adopted the following measures, among others:
A support package of €500 million, including the use of the crisis reserve, to support the producers most affected by the serious consequences of the war in Ukraine.
Market safety-net measures to support the pigmeat market in view of the particularly difficult situation of the sector.
An exceptional and temporary derogation allowing the production of any crops for food and feed purposes on fallow land. This will allow to maintain the full level of the greening payment for farmers and will enlarge the EU's production capacity in spite of the limited availability of fertile land.
Specific temporary flexibilities to existing import requirements on animal feed.
A new, self-standing Temporary Crisis Framework that also covers farmers, fertiliser producers and the fisheries sector, allowing state aid to farmers affected by significant increases in input costs.
In addition, Member States are encouraged to implement reduced rates of Value Added Tax, while the European Commission will ensure a regular follow-up of food prices.
In parallel, the European Commission announced its intention to strengthen its global engagement towards the transformation of food systems by participating in eight Global Coalitions for Action (i.e. Food is never waste, Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems for Children & all, Aquatic and Blue Foods, Agroecology etc.). The alliances gather national representatives, civil society organisations, researchers and international organisations to achieve transformation action in the field of food security.