The European Union is at risk of food shortages if long-term fertiliser supply solutions are not implemented, warns Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has exacerbated rising fertiliser prices, which have already surged due to previous crises, including the energy crisis linked to the war in Ukraine. Farmers are now reconsidering crop production due to these soaring costs, which they struggle to pass on to consumers.
In response, the EU has introduced a Fertiliser Action Plan, allocating over half a billion euros in immediate financial aid to support farmers. However, Hansen emphasises that this is merely a short-term fix. The EU must address structural weaknesses in its fertiliser supply chain to ensure both availability and affordability in the long run.
Currently, Europe relies heavily on imported fertilisers, with 40% to 45% coming from outside the EU. This dependence leaves farmers vulnerable to global market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. To mitigate these risks, the EU plans to enhance domestic production, promote organic fertilisers, and improve nutrient recycling.
Hansen warns that without these changes, the EU’s agricultural sector could face severe consequences, impacting food security across the continent. The need for sustainable solutions is urgent, as the current situation highlights the broader vulnerabilities within the EU’s supply chains, not just in agriculture but across various sectors.
Source: Euronews
