The effects of the COVID-19 on the economy of the Mediterranean region are barely emerging but they are likely to have an unprecedented impact. As in every crisis, it is the poorest populations who will suffer the most serious consequences. The pandemic first threatened their health, then their work - often in the informal economy - and it is now weighing on their food security. Among the most fragile, there are the vulnerable populations of rural and agricultural areas of the Mediterranean region, who are already suffering from climate change impacts, the reduction of natural resources and development inequalities.

The availability, access, use and price stability of food products that characterise “food security” (FAO) have been impacted, as a corollary of supply and demand instability which risks worsening if the appropriate responses are not provided.