EU agri-food groups call for critical status, priority energy access amid Middle East crisis

BRUSSELS, April 29 (Reuters) - European farming, food and retail associations on Tuesday called for the EU agri-food chain to be formally recognised as critical infrastructure, urging policymakers to grant operators priority access to energy and key inputs at affordable and competitive rates.

Middle East instability is increasing volatility in energy, logistics and input markets vital to Europe's food production and distribution, CEJA, Copa-Cogeca, CELCAA, FoodDrinkEurope and EuroCommerce said

The groups said costs for energy, fertilisers, freight, packaging and agricultural raw materials are already rising across the value chain, risking higher grocery prices and weaker food affordability without urgent EU action.

*The associations urged EU and national authorities to guarantee farmers, processors, traders, retailers and wholesalers secure and predictable access to energy and key inputs.

*They said targeted, temporary and EU‑coordinated measures may be needed for the most exposed actors.