The dramatic situation in the cereals market demands immediate action
Statement by AKEL-Left-New Forces MP Giannakis Gavriel
4 March 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
The situation with regards grain prices, but also the adequacy of stocks for the country’s needs is assuming dramatic proportions every day that passes by and poses an immediate danger to the survival of thousands of farmers.
The ongoing war in Ukraine is exacerbating the already tragic situation on the cereals market with shortages and constant price increases.
Despite the government’s assurances that there are sufficient stocks/reserves of cereals, there are increasing complaints that importers are not supplying cereals, citing shortages.
The government must take decisions in this direction as soon as possible and before it is too late:
- Importing grain stocks from the state and utilizing the silos at the Limassol port for this purpose.
- Immediate implementation of the legislation on maintaining strategic stocks
- Imposing a cap on grain prices, which have almost doubled compared to a year ago
- Immediate financial support for all livestock sectors to prevent their collapse.
The situation as it stands and the measures to be taken will be the subject of a meeting of the Parliamentary Agricultural Affairs Committee next Tuesday.
