Duty-free grain exports: What was meant to help the war-torn country is now a boomerang for EU farmers and consumers!
A ton of corn currently costs up to 100 euros less than a year ago. But grain yields have also fallen sharply. The reason: imports from Ukraine, which come to Europe duty-free via the “solidarity corridor”. The grains were originally intended to reach Southeast Asia or Africa. “Apparently these get stuck in Europe and cause dump prices here,” reveals Hannes Mosonyi, committee chairman of the agricultural trade in Burgenland.
What makes it even more difficult: it is not produced with the strict health and environmental regulations as in the EU. “We know that genetically modified seeds from the US are also used there in Ukraine,” Mosonyi sounds the alarm.
“Urgently needed EU-wide regulation”
Because this leaves EU farmers behind with their crops, outrage is growing. In Poland, the Minister of Agriculture therefore had to resign. His successor agreed with Ukraine to suspend deliveries. Hungary has also stopped imports. Farmers are also taking to the barricades in Slovakia and Romania.
“We urgently need an EU-wide regulation that the corridor is only used for transfers,” demands Mosonyi. The boss of the Farmers Union of Lower Austria, Paul Nemecek, now wants to “combat sustainably” these competitive disadvantages for our farmers.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
