PARIS (Reuters] – Russia’s war on Ukraine will continue to have severe consequences for France’s agricultural sector. This is the largest in the European Union, according to Emmanuel Macron, French president.

Macron stated that if Macron was asked to speak with one conviction, it would be that the crisis and war are here to stay.

Macron stated that trade restrictions caused by EU sanctions against Russia will impact French exports of wine and grains. Meanwhile, a rise in energy prices could have a negative effect on livestock farming.

Macron declared, “We’re building resilience,” adding that measures will also be taken in order to help farmers cope with cost pressures and recover lost revenue.

The recent rise in commodity prices has been good for grain producers, but it hurt livestock farmers who depend on grain feed as a significant cost. At the end January, the government offered a relief package of 270 million euros ($304 million for the pork industry).

The volatility of agricultural markets is growing due to the crisis in Ukraine. On Thursday, Paris wheat futures hit a new record high. The crisis is also causing concern among farmers that it could worsen supply tensions for fertilisers, and cause a disruption in the crop’s spring growth season.

Salon de l’Agriculture is an important French event that takes place just two months before the first round in presidential elections.

French commentators have long predicted Macron would use his attendance at the show as a way to announce that he is running for another term. This fact is undisputed by anyone in France.

The president has been repeatedly blocked by international crises including Russia’s incursion in Ukraine.

Macron spoke only for 15 minutes on Saturday, after spending over 12 hours trying to comfort farmers about the effects of Brexit.

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