PARIS, November 6. /TASS/. The French government is considering the creation of strategic grain reserves driven by shifting geopolitical conditions, French radio station RTL reported on Friday.
France maintained strategic food stocks after World War II but dismantled the system in the 1950s. However, authorities now believe that rising international instability requires immediate action. While the country currently possesses 4,500 grain silos capable of covering one month of baseline consumption in the event of a conflict, facility owners face no restrictions on exporting grain from these reserves. Additionally, these sites lack security perimeters, and their addresses remain listed in public directories.
"Today, work to build up strategic reserves is underway across Europe, in every single European nation except France. This is pure madness," Eric Thirouin, head of the grain producers' association AGPB Cerealiers de France, told the radio station. "We have nuclear capabilities, but in reality, food security is far more critical, which is why we absolutely need to establish these stockpiles."
According to RTL, French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard has ordered her departments to swiftly set up a working group and present concrete policy proposals by the end of the month. The move comes as the European Commission issued a formal communication to EU member states, urging them to reinforce domestic food security.