Europe’s agricultural industry is struggling because of the conflict in Ukraine

In recent weeks, livestock farmers in France have faced great pressure from rising prices of energy for heating and grain to feed their livestock. The price rally, which has lasted since last year, is gradually being exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

French farmer Isbelle Leballeur said: “The price of our cereals for animal feed has increased over the past 15 months. Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, grain prices have increased from 170 Euro/ton to 350 Euro/ton. While the cost is getting more and more expensive, the price of meat has not changed much. Energy costs are also increasing sharply. Electricity and gas prices have both increased by more than 40%.”

And in Italy, livestock industry are also in a difficult situation because they cannot find the necessary amount of animal feed. Figures show that Italy needs up to 9 million tons of corn for animal feed, but domestic production is currently only about 6 million tons.

Illustration – Photo: Reuters.

“The amount of corn exported from Ukraine is not too much, only about 13% of the total corn used in Europe and Italy. However, when Ukraine’s exports stopped, countries like Moldova, Serbia and Hungary also stopped. stop following, to ensure domestic supply. At Italian ports, the reserve is only enough for 25 days,” said Michele Liverini, President of the Italian Feed Manufacturers Association.

The situation is so difficult that many ranchers have had to consider the extreme measure of killing their livestock. This is expected to have a long-term impact on the livestock industry, as restoring production can take years.

Pietro Fusco, CEO of dairy company Cirio Agricola, Italy, said: “In view of the current risks, we will have to consider reducing the amount of feed for livestock and even slaughtering a certain number of animals. , to try to keep the farm running, to protect jobs”.

According to Reuters, Europe has to import a large amount of corn and other grains every year to feed the livestock industry. With Ukraine – one of the main suppliers of the bloc being severely affected by the conflict, European countries will be forced to look for supplies from elsewhere to help the livestock industry through a difficult period. now.

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