Actions to strengthen domestic food production
Þórarinn Ingi Pétursson, Member of Parliament, was the questioner in a discussion in Parliament with the Minister of Food about measures to strengthen domestic food production.
“Difficult circumstances have arisen in our immediate environment and in Europe over the past few months, and in the measures that have already been taken by the state, the Minister of Food has been at the forefront of projects that involve, for example, providing support for fertilizer purchases for farmers and also following up on the proposals of the task force that the Minister of Economic Affairs appointed in the spring, which it submitted in June,” said Þórarinn Ingi.
He stated that the situation was not improving, that prices would remain high for inputs to food production, due to the war in Ukraine.
“I therefore wish to have a conversation with the Minister regarding whether the Minister intends to take any further actions in light of the situation we are facing to further ensure the position of food production in Iceland,” said Þórarinn Ingi and continued, “I also ponder whether we can reconsider, for example, the customs protection or whether we should look more closely at the external conditions of agriculture here at home or if we should enhance the support of the state for agriculture even further.”
“Although much has been done very well with regard to the state's response in this situation, more is needed to further ensure the position as there are many factors that contribute to making production more challenging. I mention, for example, the increase in capital costs and similar matters. The challenges lie ahead and they are significantly demanding, but the importance of domestic food production has probably never been greater,” said Þórarinn Ingi.
