Agricultural prices, ban on cereal exports by Hungary and the risk to European food security
8.3.2022
Question for written answer E-000934/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Antonio Tajani (PPE), Isabella Adinolfi (PPE), Andrea Caroppo (PPE), Salvatore De Meo (PPE), Herbert Dorfmann (PPE), Fulvio Martusciello (PPE), Aldo Patriciello (PPE), Luisa Regimenti (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Lucia Vuolo (PPE)
According to the UN, agricultural prices had already risen by 30 % in 2021. The ongoing war has further aggravated the situation, leading the price of wheat to skyrocket, with it increasing by 40 % last week. Russia and Ukraine account for a quarter of world trade in cereals, the scarcity of which on the markets, together with the high cost of energy, poses a serious threat to the food security of the European Union. Many Member States are taking measures to block wheat exports to ensure food security for their citizens, thus jeopardising the unity of the European Union and its single market.
Given that food security is a priority for European citizens and that recommendations to the Member States are not sufficient, can the Commission say:
- 1.What urgent measures it intends to take in the short term to offset production costs in the agricultural sector?
- 2.Will it review the Farm to Fork strategy and the Fit for 55 package to boost European agricultural production and self-sufficiency?
- 3.Does it intend to create a system of common wheat stocks in order to avoid disruptions to the supply chain within the EU?