Sir, – As global hunger levels rise, not just in the poorest parts of the world, I fully support Tom Arnold’s call for Ireland to make food security a priority of its presidency of the Council of the European Union (“Food security must be made a priority of Ireland’s EU presidency,” May 28th).
Access to food is an increasing concern, and the price of food that is affordable is of equal concern.
Global hunger has worsened for six consecutive years, signalling a deepening food crisis, not a new one.
In Ireland, as in many countries across the world, people are feeling the pinch of this deepening food crisis at the supermarket tills every week, pushing some families to tipping point.
Food security is clearly everyone’s concern. This is why it should be a priority for Ireland’s presidency.
For decades, Ireland has demonstrated real leadership on global food security, nutrition, humanitarian action and recognition of the potential for hunger to be used as a weapon of war. This focus has had a significant impact on global policies to improve investment in food security, prevent and treat malnutrition in humanitarian crises, and support communities to protect their livelihoods in the growing number of contexts in which climate change is ravaging land and other natural resources.
As Mr Arnold’s article highlights, the 2026-27 El Niño could be devastating. Erratic rainfall and temperature patterns have created an El Niño that is affecting agriculture, water supplies, helping to spread disease, and is threatening the food security and livelihoods for 60 million people worldwide.
[ We are now experiencing the terrible cost of the feedback loops of climate changeOpens in new window ]
Our food systems are simply not robust enough to withstand the variety and frequency of shocks that the world is experiencing.
There is a growing risk that the EU presidency will coincide with a global food crisis that will affect all of us in Europe, as well as driving millions of people further into extreme poverty and food insecurity.
Ireland’s track record and expertise in supporting efforts to strengthen food and nutrition security globally is the strongest argument for prioritising this agenda as it assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union at this critical moment. -Y ours etc,
DOMINIC CROWLEY,
Chief executive officer,
Concern Worldwide,
Dublin 2.