The measures to address the negative impact on the agri-food sector due to the conflict in Ukraine and support for the affected sectors were discussed with his European counterparts by the Agriculture Minister, of Rural Development and Environment Costas Kadis during the extraordinary informal meeting of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers, which took place online on Wednesday 2 March.
As noted in a statement by the Ministry of Agriculture, the EU is called upon to address important challenges immediately, as both Russia and Ukraine are leading exporters of cereals and oilseeds, with Ukraine being an important EU supplier of these goods, and should make efforts to increase production of these goods, both for its member countries and for its partners.
At the same time, it became clear that a particularly important aspect in addressing the crisis is the adequate supply of food and seeds to Ukraine and the assurance of its food security.
According to a statement, Kadis expressed Cyprus' support to the Ukrainian people, as well as the country's readiness for practical solidarity. In addition, the Minister pointed out that Cyprus is almost entirely dependent on imports of cereals and raw materials for animal feed and fertilizers and the price increase recorded in 2021 has created great difficulties in the agricultural sector, especially in the livestock sector.
The Minister also reportedly called on the European Commission to formulate a specific framework for implementing support measures for the affected sectors, while ensuring the sufficiency of raw materials throughout the EU and particularly in island member states facing more acute difficulties in the supply chain.
Source: CNA
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