The Commission presents its long-term measures to ensure food security in Europe and resilience in supply chains. MEPs are expected to request immediate measures to stabilise the EU market that has been affected by the lack of agricultural imports from Ukraine. A resolution will be put to the vote on Thursday. Opening statements by Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs and by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture; This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EU - Ukraine (T)

Brussels

plenary session

troubles in Ukraine (T)

joint debate

WOJCIECHOWSKI, Janusz (ECR, PL, EC)

BEAUNE, Clément (FR)

food security (T)

EU Action Plan to ensure Food Security inside and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: opening statements by Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for EU Affairs and by Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, EU Commissioner for agriculture

Introduction to the debate by the President

SOUNDBITE (French), Cl&eacute;ment BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, Ladies and gentlemen, honourable members of the European Parliament. Amongst the dramatic consequences, dramatic consequences, which we have been able to see and have been hearing about today in the Russian invasion against Ukraine, there is also the food issue agriculture and food.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, This aggression against Ukraine by Russia, we can already see that this is going to have an important impact on the agricultural markets because the aggressor Russia and the victim Ukraine, both of them represent 30 percent of the world exports of wheat and barley and also vegetable oil and corn.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, Russia plays an important role in the trade of cereals to the benefit of our agriculture and is also an exporter of fertilisers. We know that food security and food and agricultural security is the very basis of our Common Agricultural Policy, and this Common Agricultural Policy is the very first of the European policies that we developed 60 years ago with a single objective, a simple objective.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, It is that we must remember that our farming, our agriculture, is there to food to be autonomous, and this autonomy can only can only be achieved through self-sufficiency and through a production capacity with new requirements. The ecological transition firstly, but should also remember this simple objective to feed Europe and to contribute to feeding the world.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, We know this, and we know that the United Nations have underscored this doubtlessly because of this war and because of the agricultural consequences of this war, there will be a very large number of people suffering from famine because of the effects of this, a war of between eight and 13 million people could be affected.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, Within this context that Europe has a dual responsibility to make sure that it safeguards its production for its self through agricultural production of responsibility for the world to because of the exports which I mentioned before are restricted or completely disappear, then Europe needs to contribute through its solidarity to help its neighbours, North Africa and the Middle East and Africa in particular, and help to feed the people of these countries and to put to certainly try and prevent famine.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, This was recognised by the heads of state during the informal Council held in First Cyprus II on the 10th and 11th of March, and there was a point which I think has not been sufficiently underscored in the resi declaration. One of the. Objectives in the reduction of our dependency to strengthen our autonomy. There is a question of our food security. It's a question of autonomy. It's a question of price. It's a question of food security for the world. And it's a question to make sure that there is basic food provided to the people.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, Commissioner, during the meeting of the Council of Ministers for Agriculture two days ago have welcomed the urgent measures that the commission has put forward in order to support agricultural production of the union in the short term, and also to make sure that this goes to the benefit of Europe and the world.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, Commissioner, we must not only guarantee this self-sufficiency of the union, but we must also strengthen the capacity and shows solidarity. We must also strengthen as soon as possible the possibility to become autonomous. This is, and I'm thinking, particularly of proteins, and I'm also thinking of the different cereals and fertilisers. So urgent measures need to be taken and market measures need to be taken.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, The Common Agricultural Policy, our tools need to be mobilised very rapidly. So in the light of this experience, the ministers have already discussed this some weeks ago and they talked about an urgent programme for the food security during in times of crisis. This was a debate that took place in December. Now, the imperative of this particular debate is become even more clear.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, Today, the Russian aggression in the Ukraine will have effects on food and agriculture. Europe needs to adjust its tools, needs to keep in mind the ecological transition, but must remember. Must always remember that we need to feed Europe and contribute to we feed the world.

SOUNDBITE (French), Clément BEAUNE, French Minister of State for European Affairs, That is our objective. That is our responsibility for the coming weeks. Thank you so much for this debate. Thank you to the European Commission for the measures that have already been taken and for future measures too, thank you.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, Thank you very much. Madam President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has shown us also the importance of ensuring food security at all times, both within the EU and more globally. The objective enshrined in our founding treaties some 65 years ago is today as important as ever for the global food system.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, The loss of grain exports from Ukraine means that up to 25 million tonnes of wheat must be substituted in the current and the next season. This is indispensible for overall world food needs, which are also affected by a likely reduction of Russian export. Combine Ukraine and Russia are responsible for over 30 percent of world wheat exports. The strong price increase on cereal markets puts global food security as a risk affecting vulnerable people in a food deficit countries.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, We must shield the vulnerable countries, notably in Africa, the Middle East and their European neighbourhood region, from pressures on food availability and prices. In recent days, I have spoken of Chief Minister from the Ukrainian government, who have described the situation facing the farmers. They have spoken of destroyed land of the lost crops and livestock.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, We had discussions with the Ukrainian minister during agri-fish on Monday, and the minister, Roman Leshchenko, told us that the Ukrainian farmers are fighting at the day and the working to provide food at night. He also remind us that the answer to the centrality of solving conflict harvesting in Ukraine may continue for several years and that that puts pressure on global markets.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, I also spoke with Deputy Minister, who said that Russia is staking Ukrainian soil and using it as a weapon and weapon against its own people and a weapon of starvation in the face of this weapon. The European Union will not stand down. We will step up. We will defend our neighbours, defend the international community and defend ourselves.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, The Versailles declaration of the European Council called upon the commission to take out of urgent action to present options to address the rising food prices and the issue of global food security as soon as possible. Today, we have adopted the communication on safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems. The communication sets out actions in three areas.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, First, it presents our immediate action to safeguard food security in Ukraine and around the world. Second, we have addressed the challenge of food stability in the European Union, a food system. We have a range of measures to support our farmers and maintain affordability for our citizens. Finally, we confirm our agenda to make our food system sustainable and resilient in the years to come. Security, stability and sustainability.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, These are the words that define our response. First and foremost, we will stand by the people of Ukraine to address the serious impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and food supplies in their homeland to support the farmers of Ukraine.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, The Commission and international partners are working in ensuring that necessary inputs like seeds and fertilisers can reach Ukraine and that transportation and storage facilities are maintained to enable Ukraine to feed its citizens on particular problem its supply of diesel. I have spoken with the Polish prime minister, but matter was Moravians, and he assured me that Poland can provide diesel for Ukraine from data strategic reserve.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, The Commission has rapidly mobilised twenty point three million in initial humanitarian funding for Ukraine and Moldova, of which 19 million has already been disbursed to humanitarian partners. Together with member states, the commission will also continue working with international partners to coordinate policies and assess the risk to global food security.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, We will therefore reinforce our humanitarian aid assistance to the region most affected by food insecurity and assist them diversify their sources of food supplies. We will ensure that trade can continue and avoid restrictions that prevent food and fertilisers being brought where is the most needed.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, And we will strengthen our cooperation on transitioning to sustainable food system across the globe. The Second area addressed in our communication is the short term actions to maintain the food system stability in the European Union in the EU. We are largely self-sufficient for almost all agricultural products. However, the European Union is importing feed grains and all these seeds from Ukraine and fertilisers and natural gas from Russia.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, Arable farmers feel the costs of high input prices and the livestock sector. Pig meat and poultry in particular, feel the strong impact on feed price increases. Firstly, I am pleased to underline that our European Food Security Crisis Preparedness and Response Mechanism is up and running and will increase cooperation to mitigate food security risk and monitor the situation. A second meeting of the mechanism is taking place today to improve our monitoring ability.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, The Commission also proposes that member states communicate data on data, private stocks of essential food and feed to have a timely and accurate overview of their availability. Let me be clear. Currently, thanks to the work of our fundamentals and the support of the Common Agricultural Policy. Food security in the European Union is not under threat.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, However, our food system is facing challenges for our citizens. It's not a question of availability, but affordability. While there is enough food and in the EU, prices are rising, food inflation reached the five point six percent compared to February 2021. We must protect lower income citizens and vulnerable families.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, We must remember that in the last three weeks, our population has grown by three more than three million people. That is more than three million extra mouths to feed every day. There Commission calls on member states to use data social policies to protect the vulnerable citizens from food insecurity. Member states can also implement reduced rates of VAT on food and use the fund for European aid to the most deprived.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, For farmers, it is not a crisis situation, but critical situation, especially for a number of specific sectors and smaller family farms. Let me briefly outline what this communication holds for farmers. Firstly, the commission has adopted exceptional support measures of $500 million to directly assist those farmers most affected by the higher input costs and the closure of export markets.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, The Commission will submit its proposal to use the crisis reserve for this support package to both the European Parliament and council. Member States can exceptionally complement this EU support by up to 20 200 per cent with national funds. In addition, the Commission will allow member states to pay increased levels of CAP direct payments in advance to address the cash flow difficulties that farmers are facing.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, We have also adopted an exceptional temporary the delegation to allow the production of any crops on fallow land this year while maintaining the full level of greening payments for farmers. In view of the particularly difficult situation in the pigmeat sector, the commission will open a new private storage aid scheme to stabilise markets.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, Member states can also measure at national level as a temporary crisis framework for state aid has been put in place to allow member states to grant direct aid to producers affected by crisis and to energy intensive undertakings such as fertiliser manufacturers. Finally, some member states have started to use the specific flexibilities to existing import requirements related to pesticides for animal feed.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, Provided that safety is ensured, we must act with these measures in the short term to address food security and affordability concerns. Now, let me remind you that we do not currently face a food security threat in the European Union. It is simply prudent that we support our farmers to produce more food sustainably while they can. That is why the Commission is acting with these short term measures.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, Let me say one word also on fisheries, which is of course equally part of our food system and the EU fishery. Aquaculture and processing sector is also directly affected by the disruptions of the market. Contrary to agriculture, the European Union is not self-sufficient when it comes to seafood. We are very much import dependent, including as regards imports of raw materials for fish processing.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, The sharp rise of marine fuel prices makes most fishing fleet inprofitable. The fisheries sector will benefit from some measures I just mentioned, including the temporary crisis framework for state aid. Let me say this clearly. Fundamentally, the transition to sustainable agriculture. As envisaged in the Green Deal and farm to fork is our only path to food security, this is strongly recognised and reinforced in our communication.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, We must also ensure that our food system is resilient to external shocks like the one we are now experiencing. This is why the farm to fork strategy is an important part of our response. It sets the path to reducing our dependence on inputs like fertilisers without undermining productivity.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, This will require a greater use of knowledge sharing and innovation in areas like precision farming, organic farming, nutrient management, management and agro ecology with which must be facility facilitated fro cap strategy plans. On the subject of the CAP the Commission will address the Russian invasion of Ukraine in its letters of observation to the CAP strategic plans, which will be adopted next week.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, I have called on the member states to use their strategic plans to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of the agricultural sectors, reducing energy, pesticides and nutrient dependence. And but I to face actions that increase yields sustainability.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, The Commission will support member states who, for example, use funding to boost sustainable biogas production, improve energy efficiency, foster bioeconomy solutions, convert into organic farming protein production and develop data knowledge and innovation systems.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, European Commissioner for Agriculture, In conclusion, honourable members, I am confident that while we face a significant challenge, we can overcome it. But we need to act together within the European Union and with our international partners. I know I can count on the loyal cooperation of this house to face this crisis together to address the challenges we are confronted. We've and to preserve our long term strategy, making our food system more sustainable and resilient. Thank you very much.