Cut fertiliser prices to feed Europe

The EPP Group supports the measures presented by the European Commission in today’s Fertiliser Action Plan. The plan shows that Europe is listening to the farmers and taking the first steps to ease pressure on the sector, strengthen food security and reduce Europe’s dependence on external fertiliser suppliers.

"This plan comes at a critical moment. Rising instability in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where about one-third of global fertiliser trade transits, have led to fertiliser shortages and rising prices. The European Union cannot rely on external suppliers for such a vital input to food production. We need to strengthen European fertiliser production and diversify supply chains to ensure food security and keep farming competitive. This can only be the first step. The European Commission must now build on this plan to deliver concrete relief measures in the short term," said Herbert Dorfmann, EPP Group spokesman for Agriculture and Rural Development.

The EPP believes that to remain globally competitive, Europe needs to guarantee better access to innovation, investment and modern technologies, combined with simpler rules and less red tape. "Farmers can only continue to feed Europe if they are given the means to invest and compete. Food security starts with self-sufficiency," Dorfmann concluded.