EU agri-food groups call for critical status

European farming, food and retail associations on Tuesday called for the EU agri-food chain to be formally recognised as critical infrastructure, urging policymakers to grant operators priority access to energy and key inputs at affordable and competitive rates.



This comes as the Middle East instability is increasing volatility in energy, logistics and input markets vital to Europe's food production and distribution according to CEJA, Copa-Cogeca, CELCAA, FoodDrinkEurope and EuroCommerce said



The groups added the costs for energy, fertilisers, freight, packaging and agricultural raw materials are already rising across the value chain, risking higher grocery prices and weaker food affordability without urgent EU action.



The associations urged EU and national authorities to guarantee farmers, processors, traders, retailers and wholesalers secure and predictable access to energy and key inputs.