Several associations representing the agri-food chain, EU agricultural organisations and cooperatives (Copa-Cogeca), Primary Food Processors (PFP) and FoodDrinkEurope urged EU Member States, on Thursday 29 September, ahead of the next day’s EU ‘Energy’ Council, to recognise the specificity of the agri-food chain in the expected energy saving measures (see other news).
The associations call on Member States to provide a European solution to the energy price crisis that “brings down energy prices, secures supplies, provides stability for operators and financial relief”.
They also want countries to exempt the agri-food supply chain from the requirement to reduce energy consumption during peak hours, as this “could lead to serious market and supply chain disruptions”.
Other requests: to prioritise the agri-food supply chain in EU Member States’ gas rationing plans and to revise the Temporary Framework for State Aid to make it more fit-for-purpose for the agri-food supply chain (including by extending the eligibility period until the end of 2023 and increasing the maximum support beyond €2 million). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)