Without long-term solutions to secure fertiliser supplies, the European Union will see food scarcity, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, has told Euronews.
His comments come as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sent fertiliser prices soaring. In response, the European Commission — fearful that high fertiliser prices could reduce crop yields and lower food production — introduced the Fertiliser Action Plan, bringing support in the form of financial aid.
But Hansen says that beyond short-term relief, the EU must tackle structural weaknesses in its fertiliser supply chain.
"We need to do our homework as well and address the issues to make fertilisers not only available but also affordable, because, otherwise, there will be food shortages in the European Union," the Commissioner said on Euronews' interview programme The Europe Conversation.
Many farmers across Europe are considering not producing crops, Hansen said, "because it has become too expensive and they cannot pass on the costs so easily, as they are competing."
