EU will have to find agricultural policy solutions, considering significant role of Russia and Ukraine as food producers - Gerhards

RIGA - Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European Union (EU) will need to find solutions for its agricultural policy, given the significant role of Russia and Ukraine as food producers, Agriculture Minister Kaspars Gerhards (National Alliance) said after Tuesday's government meeting.

The minister indicated that Russia and Ukraine together produce around a third of the world's wheat harvest, which means that wheat supply has become a serious issues after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the alarm about it being raised all over the world, including on the UN-level.

At the same time, Gerhards said that thanks to its agricultural policy, the EU is a net exporter, which means that the bloc produces more than imports.

"Europe in this case will not be faced with significant food shortages, but obviously, the global challenges will leave an impact on prices and cause problems in other parts of the world," Gerhards said.  

The minister said that next Monday, March 21, he will attend a meeting of EU agriculture ministers to participate in discussions on how to adjust the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the upcoming crisis.