The need for immediate and substantial support for European producers and the increased cost of production was highlighted by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, during his interventions at the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers of the European Union in Brussels.
He stressed that the agri-food sector is a strategic pillar for Europe, especially in an environment of increased pressures linked to energy costs and international developments, adding that the sustainability of farms is under pressure.
Speaking in particular about the increased cost of inputs, with a focus on energy and fertilisers, he stressed the need for targeted European interventions to help contain the burden on producers.
In addition, according to the statement of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, he highlighted four key priorities for the primary sector:
- reducing production costs,
- simplifying procedures to enhance competitiveness,
- strengthen the sector’s resilience with effective risk management tools,
Talking about fisheries and aquaculture, the Greek Minister pointed out that the energy transition must proceed in a realistic and gradual way, taking into account the specificities of the sector and especially small-scale coastal fisheries.
He stressed, finally, that the increase in fuel costs makes it necessary to take immediate measures to support fishermen, as well as to create financial instruments for the modernisation of the fleet.
