Farmers and co-ops plan 'flash action' in Strasbourg over fertiliser
Copa and Cogeca have announced a ‘flash action’ in Strasbourg during the presentation of the Fertiliser Action Plan by the European Commission.
The commission is expected to announce next Tuesday, May 19, its fertilisation action plan from Strasbourg.
According to the two organisations which represent farmers and co-ops, the action plan, is "unlikely to meet the expectations of the European farming community or address the scale of the crisis that has been unfolding since the outbreak of the conflict in Iran".
Copa Cogeca have added that the European Commission has both the tools and the means to act in the short-, medium- and long-term.
"Today, the European farming community fears that delays in taking action in the coming weeks and months, while farmers are already beginning to prepare their stock for the upcoming season, could have major consequences for consumer prices in Europe and for our ability to support global food security," the organisations said in a joint statement.
"European farmers are facing the wall and can’t wait any longer.
"To make our voices heard by European decision-makers, we will be mobilising for a flash action in front of the European Parliament headquarters."
Both groups have claimed that the current geopolitical situation has "exposed the European Union’s strategic vulnerability" when it comes to energy, fertiliser supply, and affordability.
"Today, the ratio between nitrogen fertiliser prices and wheat prices has reached its most unsustainable level for farmers since late 2022," Copa Cogeca stated.
"Across the [European] union, farmers are entering the upcoming purchasing season under extreme uncertainty - not only regarding affordability, but increasingly regarding the actual availability of fertilisers.
The lack of affordable fertilisers poses a direct threat to crop yields, production quality, and overall agricultural output in the EU."
The representative groups argue that Europe’s ability to safeguard its food security is being undermined.
"This is why we will gather in Strasbourg to raise the alarm about a fertiliser crisis that is crushing farms and agri-cooperatives, the growing impact of CBAM, and the looming food security consequences for Europe and beyond," the statement continued.
"When it comes to fertilisers, the European Union has the means to act, as it already has a wide range of tools and mechanisms at its disposal."
The action will get underway on Tuesday, May 19, from 11:00a.m and 1:00p.m.
