MEP Daniel Buda (PPE) has called on the European Commission to develop a European strategy for essential agricultural inputs, warning that the EU's dependence on external suppliers for fertilisers, seeds, plant protection products, and precision technology threatens food security and farmers' competitiveness.
In a written parliamentary question submitted on 14 June 2026, Buda argues that recent supply chain disruptions and cost spikes have exposed the vulnerability of European agriculture when external supplies are interrupted at critical moments in the farming calendar. He points to a disconnect between the high performance expected of EU farmers and the availability of affordable, domestically produced inputs.
The MEP asks the Commission whether it is preparing a strategy that would stimulate domestic production, support industrial capacities in member states, and establish rapid response mechanisms for supply disruptions. The question does not set specific numerical targets or deadlines but frames the issue as a matter of strategic autonomy and food security.
Buda's initiative aligns with broader EU efforts to reduce dependencies in strategic sectors, though no prior Commission proposal on agricultural inputs specifically has been announced. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it shares the MEP's assessment and whether legislative or funding measures are under consideration.
The question impacts EU farmers, who face rising input costs; EU producers of fertilisers, seeds, and farm technology, who could benefit from domestic support; EU consumers, who may face higher food prices if input costs remain high; and EU policymakers, who must balance self-sufficiency goals with trade commitments and budget constraints.