6
Oct
2022
Watch
The urgent need for an EU strategy on fertilisers to ensure food security in Europe (debate)
Mr President, Commissioner. We are experiencing an energy war caused by Russia. Yesterday we talked about starving people on the African continent, today about making fertilisers unaffordable for European farmers. The main objective of agriculture is to provide Europeans with healthy food. Without nutrients, there will be no proper harvest. We see inequalities in the use of fertilisers between the Member States of the European Union, and therefore the reduction in the use of fertilisers should not be a percentage for the Member States, but in absolute figures, where overconsumption occurs. What can we do? Firstly, to support prestigious agriculture. Secondly, increase the use of organic fertilizers. Thirdly, to use the scientific advances that European scientists are proposing today, including new breeding technologies. Fourthly, to support European fertiliser production capacity. And fifth, the joint purchase of gas for the production of fertilizers, including restrictions on gas prices. Commissioner, we look forward to a more active Commission and closer cooperation with farmers and listening to their needs.