On Monday 13 December, the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers of the EU Member States adopted conclusions on an emergency plan to ensure food supply and security in times of crisis.
Some ministers asked in a debate for it to be ensured that the proposed mechanism would be properly coordinated with existing crisis management coordination mechanisms.
Several delegations mentioned the two short-term risks: fertiliser shortages which could lead to production shortages and the problems faced by the pig industry.
In the conclusions assessing the Commission’s communication on the contingency plan, the ministers consider, among other things, that enhanced cross-sectoral and cross-border coordination and cooperation at EU level are “essential to respond effectively to crises, including those related to food supply and food security”. However, the EU Council stresses the need to respect national and EU competences and to build on and strengthen existing appropriate EU mechanisms, without duplication or overlap.
Member States agree that action at EU level should focus on strengthening coordination and improving contingency planning for preparedness, including by exchanging examples of good practice at national or regional level.
The EU Council supports the Commission’s intention to set up a permanent European Food Security Crisis Preparedness and Response Mechanism (EFSCM) composed of public authorities from Member States and involving third countries with an integrated food supply chain in the EU, as well as stakeholders representing all links in the food chain.
Link to the text of the conclusions: https://bit.ly/31RQSHn (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)