EU's May fertiliser plan cuts tariffs and builds crisis reserves

In addition to traditional stockpiles, the government plans to include more immediately available food supplies in the future—such as canned goods that could be used directly in an emergency—CSU politician Rainer told newspapers of the Funke Mediengruppe in their Friday editions. These reserves should no longer be stored solely in government warehouses but should instead be kept where they are already needed: with manufacturers and retailers. A fixed portion should always be on hand, for example in storage halls on factory premises.

Rainer described the initiative as a targeted investment in Germany's crisis preparedness. Initially, as seed funding, the plan would require €30 million. Once the new system is established, annual costs would amount to roughly €70–80 million. He intends to anchor these funds securely in the federal budget—through a so-called sectoral exemption—ensuring they comply with constitutional law.

Since the products have a limited shelf life, they would be released for sale in a timely manner. This would create additional logistical work, which, Rainer emphasized, must be fairly compensated.

The minister dismissed concerns that food corporations and retailers might profit from storage arrangements, calling it "not privatization, but the opposite." The state would retain responsibility, he stressed, particularly in ensuring public supply during a crisis—a duty the government fully intends to uphold. Leveraging existing food trade infrastructure would be a major advantage, with details to be carefully regulated.

Rainer also reminded households of long-standing emergency preparedness guidelines, advising that, alongside staple non-perishables and sufficient water, people should account for their personal preferences.

At the same time, he urged efforts to bolster domestic fertilizer production. An EU action plan on the matter is set to be unveiled in May, including tariff relief—reducing duties on fertilizers (excluding those from Russia and Belarus) to zero. A strategic fertilizer reserve, akin to the oil reserve, is currently deemed unnecessary.