Immediate action to reduce the price of fertilizers to shield the agricultural sector from the effects of the conflict in the Middle East and enhance food security, calls for Dimitris Tsiodras.

In a question to European Commission, in view of the publication of the Fertiliser Action Plan, he asks the Commission how it will contribute towards reducing the cost of fertilisers to make them affordable for farmers and ensuring affordable energy especially for small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector.

The MEP and spokesperson of the New Democracy Group notes that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and geopolitical uncertainty have a significant impact on the agri-food sector.

He adds that “in addition to the significant increase in energy costs, according to the Commission, in April 2026,nitrogen fertilisers cost 70% more compared to 2024, and global supply has been disrupted, as the Middle East region accounts for 20-30% of ammonia and urea exports.”

He points out that these developments translate into increased production costs and a possible increase in food prices, thus affecting the purchasing power of European consumers and underlines the need for immediate action by the European Union to ensure food security.

And stresses the need for updated data on the potential impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)on agricultural prices and asks the Commission how it intends to address these potential consequences.

The question

Here is the text of the question:

A question asking for a written answer from the Commission

Topic: Commission action to address the impact of the Middle East conflict on the agri-food sector and to enhance food security

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and geopolitical uncertainty have a significant impact on the agri-food sector.

In addition to a significant increase in energy costs, according to the Commission, in April 2026, nitrogen fertilizers cost 70% more than in 2024, and global supply has been disrupted, as the Middle East region accounts for 20-30% of ammonia and urea exports.

These developments translate into increased costs production costs and a possible increase in food prices, thus affecting the purchasing power of European consumers.

Given the importance of this sector, there is an urgent need for immediate action on the part of the European Union to ensure food security.

Would the Commission say:

  1. In view of the forthcoming Fertiliser Action Plan, how will it contribute towards reducing the cost of fertilisers to make them affordable for farmers?
  2. Following the AccelerateEU Communication, what action does it intend to take to ensure affordable energy for the agri-food sector, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises?
  3. Does he have data on the potential impact of CBAM and ETS on agricultural prices and how does he intend to address these potential impacts;