FEFAC Publishes Assessment of Drought Impact on European Feed Supply Chains
The European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) has published an initial assessment of the impact of drought conditions on feed supply chains across Europe, highlighting shortages of forage crops, reduced maize production and growing pressure on livestock feed supplies in a number of Member States. The assessment follows reports of repeated heatwaves and prolonged dry conditions across several European regions.
According to FEFAC, shortages of forage crops and reduced maize production are placing additional pressure on feed supply chains, particularly for livestock sectors reliant on these feed sources. The organisation has outlined a number of potential mitigation measures and is continuing to gather information from across Europe to build a fuller picture of the situation.
FEFAC's assessment notes that the most severe impacts are currently being experienced in parts of Central, Southern and South-Eastern Europe, as well as key production regions in North-Western Europe. The organisation has highlighted concerns around forage shortages and lower maize availability, which it says could place further pressure on feed supply chains in the coming months.
AIC recognises the challenges that drought conditions are creating for businesses and livestock producers in a number of European countries. We stand in solidarity with our European colleagues who are managing the impacts of these conditions and acknowledge the efforts being made across the supply chain to maintain feed availability and support farm businesses.
AIC will continue to monitor developments and will bring the issues highlighted by FEFAC to the attention of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of ongoing discussions on feed supply resilience and market developments
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