Over 8 million euros to guarantee Flemish food security

The Flemish agricultural and horticultural sector can count on 8 million euros in subsidies to guarantee food security. The reason for the extra support is the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. 

The Flemish government has freed up 5.5 million euros to guarantee food security in the region. This was announced by Flemish Minister of Agriculture Hilde Crevits (CD&V) on Wednesday. The European Commission is adding a support package of 2.7 million euros, bringing the total to 8.2 million euros. 

Minister Crevits emphasised that there is no reason to hoard.

"At the moment there is no food shortage in the European Union and therefore no reason for consumers to panic," she said. 

However, many farmers are seeing their costs increase with the rise in raw material prices, which could make production more difficult in the long term. Minister Crevits will consult agricultural organisations to see where the needs are greatest.

© Belga Photo Linda Walters - Flemish Minister of Employment, Economy, Social Economy and agriculture Hilde Crevits pictured during presentation of test installation leeks on hydroponics in the presence of Flemish minister Hilde Crevits and Tim De Cuypere, researcher precision agriculture Inagro, Thursday 16 September 2021.