EU Agriculture Commissioner warns of food shortages without long-term fertiliser solutions
EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen told Euronews that without securing long-term fertiliser supplies, the European Union faces food scarcity, citing rising prices driven by Middle East conflict and prior energy crises. The EU Commission introduced a Fertiliser Action Plan with over €500 million in immediate support, potentially reaching €1.5 billion with member state contributions. Hansen emphasized that Europe must reduce dependence on imported energy and fertilisers through domestic production, organic alternatives, and international partnerships to build long-term resilience.
EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen warned that persistent fertiliser supply challenges threaten European food production, citing both immediate pressures from Middle East geopolitical tensions and structural vulnerabilities built up over years. The European Commission responded with a Fertiliser Action Plan allocating over €500 million in immediate relief—€200 million from the Common Agricultural Policy crisis reserve and €300 million in additional support—which member states can supplement by up to 200% for a potential total of €1.5 billion. Hansen noted that fertiliser prices have risen 60% since 2020 due to the energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and that many European farmers are now considering ceasing production due to unaffordable costs. The core problem, he explained, is Europe's heavy dependence on imported energy for fertiliser production and reliance on third countries for 40-45% of fertilisers used. To address this, the Commission plans to promote organic fertilisers, improve nutrient recycling, and encourage precision farming, while also pursuing reliable international partnerships for raw materials unavailable within Europe.
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- EuronewsCenter
Long-term fertiliser solutions needed to avoid EU food shortages, EU Agriculture Commissioner says
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