In the current geopolitical framework, the European Union is considering emergency intervention to address high energy prices and address disruptions.
While we recognize the need to increase the security of EU energy supply and the necessity to make savings in gas consumption, CEMA highlights the importance of food security and the fight against climate change. CEMA is concerned the EU energy reduction measures could have significant impact on the manufacturing and deployment of advanced farm mechanisation and technologies to enable farmers to maintain food security. It is imperative that policy makers carry out comprehensive impact assessments before taking any political or regulatory decision on establishing forced curtailments on gas used for the manufacturing of farm mechanisation and technologies bearing in mind the vital importance of its supply base. We recommend instead market-based measures and exploring existing demand flexibilities, incentivising consumers who can reduce their consumption to do so, together with diversifying supplies and increasing our European energy productions wherever possible.
Other key agri-food stakeholders are joining in expressing concerns regarding the potential energy reduction measures and how they might affect the sector, asking the EU to recognize the agri-food chain as a priority as it decides on a new emergency intervention and to ensure access to energy at affordable prices.
Find the joint statement of FoodDrinkEurope, Copa Cogeca and PFP here.