When it comes to grain imports from Ukraine, alarm bells should actually ring among local politicians, says Freedom Farmers’ Association chairman Peter Schmiedlechner in the krone.tv interview with Jana Pasching. The current situation regarding security of supply is frightening. A report from the Court of Audit reveals clear shortcomings and the government offers “false” assurance.
Fruit and vegetables in particular have been hit hard, there is a shortage of butter and pork has already fallen below 100 percent. “We have now also become an importer of grain.“
The end of the grain agreement between Russia and Ukraine caused imports to Europe to increase and prices to fall. “There have been price drops of 70 percent compared to last year. No other profession would simply tolerate this and it is also a huge economic loss for the companies.” What bothers Schmielechner most of all: “The ÖVP accepts this as a given from God or says that it is arranged this way by the EU. That is not true.”
“Austria must seal grain deliveries”
Countries such as Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary would show how the domestic market can be protected. An import stop, as some of the countries mentioned do, cannot be demanded in Austria. “But you could do it like in Hungary: as soon as Ukrainian grain enters the border, it is sealed. If it comes from Hungary, the seal is removed again. And of course this possibility also exists in Austria,” says Schmielechner.
“80 percent of grain is genetically modified”
Not only market disruptions, but also quality are problematic due to Ukrainian imports. “Plant protection products are used there that have been banned here for a long time. And if you know that 80 percent of the grain in Ukraine is grown using genetic modification, then as an Austrian politician the alarm bells should normally ring.”
Once grain is ground in an Austrian mill, it is considered of Austrian quality. There is an urgent need for an origin label for food that clearly regulates this. Why the AMA quality seal is not suitable for this according to Schmielechner and how local farmers are currently doing it can be seen in the video above.
We explain what Austria is currently dealing with: the latest news conversations with politicians and experts.
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.
