Good news for farmers from the European Union: 'We are committed to supporting them'

Von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel held a press conference at the conclusion of the EU Leaders' Summit held in Brussels.

Reminding that food markets are experiencing instability due to conflicts and wars, von der Leyen stated that European farmers are also negatively affected by this situation. Von der Leyen noted that problems such as floods, fires, and droughts caused by climate change are also harming farmers.

"Farmers are rightly concerned about their future," said von der Leyen, adding that they are taking short, medium, and long-term measures against these problems.

Von der Leyen said, "We have taken our first measures to reduce the administrative burden on farmers."

"THIS SITUATION IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE"

Stating that they have provided various exemptions to farmers experiencing problems due to legitimate reasons such as extreme weather events, von der Leyen commented, "Farmers say they are sometimes forced to sell their products below production costs. This situation is absolutely unacceptable."

Emphasizing that they aim to strengthen the position of farmers in price negotiations, von der Leyen explained that they will establish a monitoring system to increase transparency regarding production costs, margins in the value chain, and wages.

Von der Leyen said, "We want to improve the position of farmers in the food chain and enhance their bargaining power to ensure they are in a better position regarding the price of their products."

European Council President Michel also said, "Farmers have legitimate concerns and we are committed to supporting them." Pointing out that farmers deserve a fair level of income, Michel stated that they will take measures to reduce bureaucratic procedures and ensure a fair competitive environment.

FARMERS HAD BLOCKED ROADS

Farmers in European countries have been organizing intense protests recently. Farmers, who have blocked roads with their tractors, are demanding higher prices for agricultural products in the face of rising production costs.

The Union's agricultural policies, environmental, climate, and nature restoration targets, cuts in subsidies, high energy, fuel, and fertilizer costs, and cheap grain products coming from countries such as Ukraine and Russia are among the issues that disturb farmers in Europe.