Not enough is being done to compensate for the deleterious effects of the crisis in a number of agricultural sectors. This time the problem has been triggered by the prohibitions set by Russia on EU agricultural imports as retaliation for the sanctions imposed by the EU on Russia. It is now clear that EU sanctions were imposed without enough thought being given to the retaliatory consequences that would follow. There has been over-reliance by EU decision makers on growth in export markets outside Russia and inside the EU to compensate for losses in Russian markets; on remedial half measures adopted to overcome the arising problems; and on the belief that any losses sustained would be reversible. These assumptions especially the last one, have been too optimistic. The crisis is not affecting only producers who supplied vegetable, pigmeat and dairy products to Russia. It is also affecting adversely other producers who are finding that sales on their home markets are being undercut by produce diverted from Russian destinations. Among those worst hit are farmers and producers in island and peripheral situations. The compensatory measures addressing this crisis need to be strengthened and broadly disseminated.
Written Statements
Post a comment