EU agri-food groups call for critical status, priority energy access amid Middle East crisis

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.

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. * Middle East instability is ‌increasing volatility in energy, logistics and input markets vital to Europe's food production and distribution, CEJA, Copa-Cogeca, ⁠CELCAA, FoodDrinkEurope ​and EuroCommerce ⁠said

* The groups said 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.

*They said ⁠targeted, ⁠temporary and EU-coordinated measures may be needed for the most exposed actors.