Ref. Ares(2021)7938574 - 22/12/2021
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Directorate G. Markets and Observatories
The Director
Brussels,
AGRI.[Art 4.1 (b) -
D(2021
3153882
privacy]
MINUTES
3rd JOINT MEETING OF THE EXPERT GROUP FOR AGRICULTURAL
MARKETS
IN PARTICULAR CONCERNING ASPECTS FALLING UNDER THE SINGLE
CMO REGULATION
Subgroup on contingency plan for ensuring food supply and food security
and
THE EXPERT GROUP FOR MARKETS AND TRADE IN FISHERY AND
AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS (MTFAP)
on
How are the EU, Member States, third countries and international organisations
prepared to handle crises?
Date: 26-03-2021
Chair: [Art 4.1 (b) - privacy]
Delegations present: All Member States were present, except CZ.
1. Nature of the meeting
The meeting was the 3rd meeting of the agricultural sub-group of the expert group on
agricultural markets and the expert group on markets and trade in fishery and aquaculture
products convened by the Commission. These groups are composed of Member States
experts in the domain of agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture as well as third country
and stakeholder observers representing the agri-fish-food supply chain. .
This 3rd meeting was dedicated to the current crises response of Member States, third
countries and international organizations. It also included a follow-up session at the
beginning to report on MS replies on the question: What are the main threats to EU food
security?
The meeting took place through videoconference and was non-public. The session was
split into two parts, a first session for MS exclusively and a second session for MS and
observers.
Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111
2. First session (Member States only):
2.1.Opening and approval of agenda by [Art 4.1 (b) - privacy] , DG AGRI
The aim of the 3rd meeting was to understand the extent and the measures of crisis
management and preparedness of MS and different sectors.
The COM presented the housekeeping rules to ensure a smooth running of the meeting.
2.2.
, [Art 4.1 (b) -
,
DG AGRI
privacy]
The COM report on MS' answers to COM questions with regard to main threats to EU
food security.
3. Second session (Member States and observers):
3.1 State of play on the process, [Art 4.1
DG AGRI
State of play and brief overview of the
(b) - stakeholder questionnaire. Contributions could be
made until 3rd of May. Answers would
privacy] be part of the Staff working document to be
published together with the Communication expected in the fall.
GREX planning: the next joint GREX on 21 April will reflect on crisis preparedness of
companies within the EU food system.
3.2.
preparedness to handle crises
Experiences from Member States (DE, DK and IT):
In DE, two frames of governance are in place: the Ministry of Agriculture (on
food security) and the Ministry of Interior (on critical infrastructures). The
COVID-19 crisis showed that in case of crisis, food cannot be seen in isolation
and need to be addressed in conjunction with other critical infrastuctures. The
main challenges identified were how to ensure the interactions between the
critical infrastructures (interface needed), and coherence across relevant policies.
In DE, public strategic reserves are in place (held by the federal government).
The government also recommends households to keep private stocks
corresponding to 10 days of consumption.
o Q&A: There were questions on how ministries communicate with each
other and the plans on a local level. In general, it is based on subsidiarity
principle.
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In DK, the structure is comprehensive network with a high number of people
and agencies involved (from the Prime Minister Office to local agencies).
Stakeholders are also involved. General principles followed are those of
cooperation, precaution, subsidiarity and similarity (apply same working methods
rin times of crisis and normal times). The structure proved to be efficient during
COVID-19. The approach is rather open and bottom-up as any level of the
structure can trigger the system in order to get a reply in 1 hour as was the case
for COVID-19. A great part of the response is based on peer-to-peer exchanges
and open-minded approach (specific response for a specific type of crisis, no one-
size-fits-all approach).
o Q&A: A discussion on the simulation exercises carried out in DK
followed. They are carried out every second year and agencies are
committed to the exercise. Scenarios simulated are chosen from a
catalogue of scientifically probable ones. Learning points are sent as a
report to the Prime Minister and then integrated.
In IT, the administration relies on a wide range of risk assessment (natural
hazards, weather forecast, system of early warning). During COVID-19, these
different work streams on general crisis management facilitated communication
and response, while highlighting the need for a more holistic approach
including of resilience and a wider framework to increase responsiveness.
o Q&A: The interplay between the different work streams during COVID-
19 showed that while the general framework responded well, it is not
intended to respond to unforeseen challenges.
Experiences from third countries (JAPAN, US):
In Japan, the response is systematic based on preparedness arrangements. A shift
from disaster prevention to disaster mitigation aimed at increasing the resilience
of the system. At the core of the COVID-19 response was continuous and
accurate information flows to the public and stakeholders (with dedicated
manuals) and emergency staff support dispatched by the national government to
local governments affected the most. Japan has established as a priority ensuring
s income would come back to normal after a crisis. Emergency support
would for instance be provided to farmers. Experience linked to Italy regarding
the importance of correct information (short video clips on stocks
and ongoing imports in ports were provided to national media); and linked to
Denmark in terms of sector specific business contingency plans (6 sectors; each
including agricultural producers, food processors and distributors)
o Q&A: Regarding public stockholding, Japan keeps public stocks of rice
and recommend private households to keep stocks corresponding to 2
weeks of consumption. Trading companies also keep stocks.
The US response to Covid-19 was to reinforce and complement standing
measures supporting farmers and vulnerable groups of civil society. The food
industry responded well to the unexpected surge in grocery shopping. The
initiative Farmers to Family food boxes during COVID19 was accepted well
and appreciated by farmers and vulnerable groups, but more expensive in
comparison to other support programmes such as food stamps.
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o Q&A: on public stockholdings, the US does not have them but read-to-eat
meals are available, in the army and communities, to be provided in case
of natural disasters.
3.3.Inter-governmental cooperation
This session complemented the previous ones by experiences in crisis management from
inter-governmental cooperation (AMIS, DG ENER).
The experience on international cooperation in the agricultural and food sector shared by
the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) of the G-20 highlighted the
persisting need for reliable data to assess if a crisis is unfolding as well as the need for
cooperation, transparency and a unified approach among countries to avoid panic on the
markets.
AMIS additionally shared three lessons learnt regarding the perspective on policy:
(1) Anticipation is key to react also to unexpected crises, increasing the importance of
monitoring, a global system and information sharing.
(2) Understanding causality ensures an appropriate response (multi-causality of price
distortions).
(3) Each crisis is unique and requires a unique set of solutions. Crisis measures should
not become permanent or else they risk prolonging the critical situation.
o Q&A: This intervention was followed by a discussion on transparency as well
as the control and approval of data, elaborating the process of cross checking
the numbers and publishing only peer-validated numbers.
Experiences from the European energy sector (DG ENER): the resilience measures
for oil and gas supply and energy security strategy are based on transparency,
coordination and monitoring, which are ensured by a reporting obligation. The EU
regulatory framework provides for various emergency procedures in case of major supply
disruption. The type of response depends on the scenarios or level of emergency. The
oil and gas supply for example is secured through emergency stocks. MS have the
obligation to develop contingency plans and keep stocks corresponding to 61 days of
average net consumption, or 90 days of average imports, whichever is the greatest (some
MS favour public stocks, other request private companies holding the stocks, some adopt
a mixed approach). MS have a reporting obligation about those stocks. An oil
coordination group exists, chaired by the Commission, with the participation of MS
representatives. Stakeholders may be invited to attend the meetings.
o Q&A: This presentation was followed by a discussion on the related costs of
the measure. Despite elevated costs of holding gas and oil stocks, they
provide a degree of resilience.
3.4. Reliance on trade
Lastly, the meeting was closed with a session discussing the role of trade in ensuring
food supply and food security (DG AGRI, DG MARE, Wageningen University, JRC and
Freshfel).
The facts & figures on EU trade flows for agriculture and fish products show that the
EU27 is a net importer only for certain commodities. For most of them, the EU is self-
sufficient or net exporter. Intra-trade within the single market is crucial for ensuring food
supply of agricultural products at MS level. There is however a significant trade deficit
for fishery and aquaculture products. The majority of produced, consumed and traded
4
products in the EU are wild products whereas farmed products constitute the majority of
global trade. The consumption of fishery and aquaculture products in EU27 remains
stable. (DG AGRI, DG MARE).
According to a study from Wagening university, based on a bio-physical model with no
economic impact assessed, NL could ensure food supply in case of autarky under the
condition that they drastically change diet. The study did not envisage however what
would happen in case of a succession of bad years (and the absence of trade to provide a
buffer), for example due to climate change.
According to the work of the JRC, trade and flexible trade policies can balance market
and act as a buffer in extremely unfavourable agroclimate conditions, depending on the
elasticity of the system. Trade liberalisation and stockholding policies could further
contribute to adaptation as they allow markets to better adjust to adverse climate
extremes.
The fresh fruit and vegetable sector can turn its inherent vulnerabilities proactively in
preparedness as it is used to dealing with imbalances and challenges (perishability of the
products, fragmentation of the production, occasional food safety incidents).
Understanding the market structure is important for an appropriate crisis response,
especially given the seasonality of the produce (Freshfel).
4. AOB
5. Conclusions and next steps
The Chair announced the next steps and organizational matters related to the
following GREX meetings. The next meeting was scheduled on 21 April. Participants
were reminded to contribute to the questionnaires sent to them.
(e-signed)
Michael SCANNELL
Acting Director
5
List of participants Minutes1
3rd JOINT MEETING OF THE EXPERT GROUP FOR AGRICULTURAL
MARKETS IN PARTICULAR CONCERNING ASPECTS FALLING UNDER THE
SINGLE CMO REGULATION
Subgroup on contingency plan for ensuring food supply and food security
and
THE EXPERT GROUP FOR MARKETS AND TRADE IN FISHERY AND
AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS (MTFAP)
On
How are the EU, Member States, third countries and international organisations
prepared to handle crises?
Date: 26-03-2021
DG AGRI:
MEMBER
MINISTRY OR ORGANISATION
NUMBER
STATE
OF
PERSONS
Austria
Agrarmarkt Austria
1
Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism
2
Belgium
BE SPF Economy
1
PR BE SPW DG AGRI
1
Vlaamse overheid DEPARTEMENT LANDBOUW EN VISSERIJ
1
Bulgaria
Ministry of agriculture, food and forestry
3
Czechia
--------
-----
Croatia
Ministry of Agriculture
3
Cyprus
Department of Agriculture
1
Denmark
DVFA
1
The Danish Agriculture Agency
1
Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries
1
1 The participants list is extracted from AGM and thus corresponds to the persons registered therein. It does
not in all cases reflect the real presence of the participants on the Webex platform.
6
Estonia
Ministry of Rural Affaires
3
Finland
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
2
France
Ministère de l'Agriculture
3
Germany
Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft, Department 5,
1
Unit 521
Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft, Department 4,
1
Unit 421
German Federal Ministry of Agriculture
1
Greece
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
1
Ministry of Rural Development and Food
1
Permanent Representation
1
Hungary
Nébih
2
Ministry of Agriculture
1
Ireland
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
2
Italy
CREA
1
Ministero delle politiche agricole alimentari e forestali
2
Latvia
Ministry of Agriculture
2
Lithuania
Ministry of Agriculture
3
Luxembourg Ministère de l'agriculture - Service d'économie rurale
1
Ministry of Agriculture - Service d'économie rurale
1
Malta
Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights
2
Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality
2
Poland
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
2
Permanent Representation
1
Portugal
MA-GPP
2
7
Romania
Ministry of Agriculture
2
Permanent Representation
1
Slovakia
MPRV SR
2
MZV
1
Slovenia
Ministry of Agriculture
2
Permanent Representation
1
Spain
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA)
2
Sweden
Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket)
1
Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation
1
Swedish Food Agency
1
Observers 3rd countries:
COUNTRY
MINISTRY OR ORGANISATION
NUMBER
OF
PERSONS
Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of
1
Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia & Herzegovina
Iceland
Embassy of Iceland
1
Montenegro
Mission of Montenegro to the European Union
1
Food and Veterinary Agency of the Republic of North
1
North Macedonia
Macedonia
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management,
1
(Agriculture)
Serbia
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management,
1
(Fisheries)
Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture
1
Switzerland
Swiss Federal Office for National Economic Supply
1
8
Observers:
BEUC
--
CEJA
1
CELCAA
1
COGECA (European agri-cooperatives)
1
COPA
1
EFFAT
1
Eurocommerce
2
European Coordination Via Campesina
1
European Food Banks Federation
1
FoodDrinkEurope
1
FoodServiceEurope
1
HOTREC
1
Independent Retail Europe
1
IRU
1
Serving Europe
1
SMEunited
1
Unistock
2
9
Speakers:
Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research
1
FAO
1
FRESHFEL
1
German Institute for International and Security Affairs
1
Ministero delle politche agricole, alimentari, forestali e del turisme
1
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan
1
Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Denmark
1
Wageningen University and Research
1
DG MARE:
Austria
Federal Office for Food Safety
1
Croatia
HRV
1
Estonia
Ministry of Rural Affairs
1
Finland
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
1
Germany Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture
2
Ministry of Rural Development & Food, Directorate General for Fisheries, 2
Greece
Directorate of Fisheries Policy & Development of Fishery Products
Hungary Ministry of Agriculture
1
Ireland
Department of Agriculture Food and Marine
1
Latvia
Ministry of Agriculture
1
Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights, Department 1
Malta
of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights, Rural Affairs 1
Department
Poland
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
1
10
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development - Fisheries Department
1
Portugal DGRM
2
Slovenia Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry and Food
1
Spain
Secretaria General de Pesca
1
Sweden
Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation
1
Swedish Board of Agriculture
1
Observers (DG MARE):
AIPCE-CEP
1
1
FEAP
1
11