Question for written answer E-005154/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Álvaro Amaro (PPE), Paulo Rangel (PPE), Lídia Pereira (PPE), José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), Maria da Graça Carvalho (PPE), Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar (PPE)
Subject: Rising agricultural production costs
Stable production costs are necessary for farmers to be able to plan the year properly. Earnings in this sector, especially for small farmers, are, generally speaking, barely enough to turn a profit and any fluctuation in producer prices or production costs could force farms out of business.
The current energy and fuel crisis is resulting in an increase in the cost of agricultural diesel and of electricity, as well as pushing up the price of fertilisers and feed. This situation is of particular concern for southern European countries, which are reliant on electricity for irrigation purposes.
In Portugal, many winegrowers are considering abandoning their vineyards in the Alto Douro and, in the Alentejo, with seed prices up by an estimated 30%-50% from 2020, famers are reluctant to sow.
In view of this:
1. Is the Commission planning to take any measures to offset the effects of this price escalation?
2. What other measures can be taken to ensure an affordable food supply chain should rising costs lead to a sharp fall in production?