Portugal upheld in Brussels a joint European response to guarantee fertiliser availability and affordability, considering this to be an essential matter for food security and competitiveness of European agriculture.

At the EU AGRIFISH Council on 26 May, the Minister of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs José Manuel Fernandes noted during the discussion on the EU Fertiliser Action Plan the importance of boosting the European Union’s strategic autonomy in an international context set by geopolitical instability and market volatility.

Among the measures announced by the European Commission, the temporary suspension of customs tariffs and the reduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on fertilisers were appreciated.

“European challenges call for European solutions”, José Manuel Fernandes claimed, cautioning to the risks of the European internal market distortion due to the various Member States’ fiscal capabilities.

The Minister also defended the reinforcement of the European Agricultural Reserve, new sources of funding, more investment in research and innovation, the development of bio-fertilisers and biomethane, as well as the creation of a true European fertiliser market.

Portugal also reiterated the importance of the future European Competitiveness Fund envisaging amounts dedicated to research and investment in alternative fertilisers, contributing to reducing external dependences and boosting food security and resilience.

Portugal upholds European response to guarantee affordable fertilisers and boost food security