Janusz Wojciechowski, the European Commissioner for Agriculture, did not give concrete answers on Tuesday 17 January in Strasbourg to MEPs’ demands for new support measures in the context of rising food prices.
The Commissioner was questioned on the measures envisaged in 2023 to combat inflation in food products (+18.3% in the EU between November 2021 and November 2022), during the European Commission’s question time. “We will examine in 2023 the possible support measures for farmers in the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)”, he said, without elaborating. He confirmed the increase in fertiliser prices and the 30% increase in production costs. The Commissioner noted the measures already taken under the CAP (modification of strategic plans to help farmers and fertiliser producers) and state aid at national level.
Mr Wojciechowski highlighted the “serious” effects of inflation on the CAP budget.
Responding to Isabel Carvalhais (S&D, Portuguese) on market speculation, he said that speculation was one possible factor, but the Commission has no evidence. It is up to the Member States to act against speculation in their markets, he summarised.
The increase in prices mainly affects cereals, eggs, milk, potatoes and pigmeat, according to the Commission.
The Commission is preparing an initiative to develop plant protein production in Europe, the Commissioner for Agriculture also said.
In addition, Martin Schirdewan (The Left, German) was critical of the fact that “retailers are paying record dividends to shareholders”, while food poverty is increasing. He said that a brake on food price inflation should be applied and a tax imposed on large multinational food companies. The VAT on food prices should also be reduced, according to Schirdewan.
A discussion on the effects of inflation on CAP expenditure took place on 9 January in the European Parliament Agriculture Committee (see EUROPE 13096/3). The Commission is preparing a mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)