Proposing a package worth $577 million
The European Union supports farmers affected by high fertilizer prices
The European Commission has proposed a package worth 500 million euros ($577 million) to support farmers affected by high fertilizer prices in European Union countries, warning that high prices could prevent farmers from planting the new crop and threaten food production.
The Commission proposes to finance the package through the agricultural reserve within the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy, which currently includes about 200 million euros. The Commission also wants EU member states and the European Parliament to approve additional funding of €300 million.
European Union Agricultural Commissioner Christoph Hansen said that the impact of rising fertilizer prices is still limited because many farmers built up stocks of fertilizer late last year. However, some farmers are reconsidering planting winter crops due to high prices, preferring instead to participate in environmental programs that may provide higher returns while reducing the need to use fertilizers.
The European Commission is seeking measures aimed at securing affordable fertilizer supplies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing the EU’s dependence on imports. These measures include providing incentives to increase the use of organic fertilizers.
