The EU agri-food sector has backed the European Commission’s “save gas for a safe winter” proposal, pSublished today, which singles out the critical importance of Europe’s food supply chain and the need for a secure supply of gas to maintain food security.
Agri-food chain associations Copa-Cogeca, the Primary Food Processors (PFP) and FoodDrinkEurope have urged Members States to listen to the Commission’s recommendation that they recognise the agri-food chain as a critical sector in their national emergency plans in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Any disruption to the gas supply would impact the availability of agricultural commodities and prevent food and feed manufacturers from operating at full capacity. This would impact the availability of food supplied to consumers and feed for animals, with a risk of shortages.
Pekka Pesonen, Secretary General of Copa-Cogeca, said: “Over the past year, the costs of electricity, natural gas, fertilisers, transport fuel, and external labour have increased dramatically, which is already having a severe impact on European farmers and the EU agri-food sector as a whole. These existing difficulties would be exacerbated by gas rationing, which would have an additional impact on the availability and affordability of food and feed. Today’s Communication sends a clear message to Member States: give the agri-food sector priority access to gas supplies, right behind households and hospitals.”
Huuber Schere, PFP President, said: “Primary food processors are highly dependent on gas. If not prioritised in case of gas rationing, some plants may be unable to continue operations, leading to waste of perishable raw materials and strain on the availability and prices of a large array of products, both food and essential non-food.”
Dirk Jacobs, Director General of FoodDrinkEurope, said: “Food and drink manufacturers process agricultural commodities in a continuous process that is incompatible with a ‘stop-and-go’ approach. Any interruption in gas supplies could have a significant impact on the overall volume of food and feed that can be produced. It’s good that the European Commission recognises the strategic role the agri-food supply chain plays in the EU. We are confident that Member States will take its advice on board.”
The agri-food sector organizations remain committed to working together to maintain reliable food supplies to consumers in Europe and beyond and stand ready to continue the dialogue with EU institutions on monitoring of market developments and the energy supply situation.
Artigo publicado originalmente em Copa Cogeca.
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