“We have agreed to prepare a comprehensive analysis of all the drivers of food security”, announced Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Green Deal, while presenting the new proposals on biodiversity and pesticides on Wednesday 22 June.
This study should establish “what are the real problems, the real long-term solutions and the real challenges for food security”, especially with regard to the effects of the war in Ukraine (see EUROPE 12977/16; 12977/17).
According to Mr Timmermans, the aim is to have a sound scientific basis for discussions and legislation in a context of anxiety about our food security. It is necessary, in his view, to analyse what are the real problems behind the shortages and what are the real long-term solutions for a productive and sustainable farming community in the EU.
If this analysis “compels us to look again at the proposals we’ve made, we will be open to that”, he assured.
Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides added that the study, whose publication date is not yet known, would cover “not only pesticides, but also new technologies, animal production, soil health and energy prices”. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)