EU Commission wants global food security

On 23 March 2022, the European Commission proposed a series of short- and medium-term measures to increase global food security. It also wants to support EU farmers and consumers in the face of rising food prices and costs of energy, fertilisers and other inputs. The rise in global commodity prices, exacerbated by the invasion of Ukraine, provides further clear evidence of the need to make EU agriculture and food supply chains more resilient and sustainable, in line with the 'farm to fork' strategy.

The Commission is determined to take all necessary measures to ensure that the EU, as a net food exporter and the largest agri-food producer, contributes to global food security, especially in Ukraine, but also in North Africa and the Middle East as well as in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Increasing global food security

In war-torn Ukraine, food security is a major concern. An emergency programme of EUR 330 million is planned for Ukraine to secure access to basic goods and services and protect the population. In other parts of the world, the European Union continues to advocate the avoidance of export restrictions and bans on food exports and a properly functioning internal market.

Supporting EU farmers and consumers

To make food more affordable, Member States can also introduce reduced VAT rates and encourage operators to keep retail prices in check. Member States can also make use of EU funds. 

The Commission has identified the following measures:

• A support package of €500 million, including the use of the crisis reserve, for producers most affected by the consequences of the war in Ukraine. On this basis, Member States can provide additional financial support to farmers in order to contribute to global food security, or to address market distortions resulting from higher input costs or trade restrictions. Priority should be given to support for farmers who engage in sustainable practices. At the same time, it must be ensured that measures benefit the sectors and farmers most affected by the crisis;
• more advance payments for direct payments and area-based and animal-related rural development measures for farmers from 16 October 2022
• safety net measures for the pigmeat market, given the particularly difficult situation in the sector;
• an exceptional and temporary authorisation to grow crops for food and feed purposes on set-aside land, while maintaining the full greening payment for farmers. This will increase the EU's production capacity, despite the limited availability of fertile land;
• specific temporary flexibilities in relation to existing import requirements for feed, which will help alleviate pressure on the feed market.

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