Agrifood – Euractiv

Algeria bars France from wheat import tender as relations sour

Georgi Gotev — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:49:43 +0000

Algeria is one of the world's biggest wheat buyers and for many years France was by far its largest supplier. Now it's Russia.

EU and China clash on Beijing’s anti-dumping measures on brandy

Hugo Struna — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:30:26 +0000

China's imposition on Tuesday of "temporary anti-dumping" measures on EU brandy was quickly met with a challenge at the WTO by the Commission.

Bulgarian farmers to receive €100 million in state subsidies after protest threat

Krassen Nikolov — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:52:13 +0000

The Bulgarian government will give €100 million in state subsidies to local farmers who have threatened new protests over imports of Ukrainian agricultural products, the government announced on Monday.

Organic food traders shaken by ruling challenging equivalence of standards

Angelo Di Mambro — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:42:27 +0000

The decision by the EU's top court could have "far-reaching consequences", say traders of organic products

Top EU Court rejects French ‘veggie steak’ ban, opens door to other restrictions

Maria Simon Arboleas — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:35:54 +0000

The ruling could pave the way for France and other member states to prevent the marketing of products such as “veggie steaks” by other means.

ECJ quashes EU-Morocco farm and fisheries deals, cites lack of Saharawi consent

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 11:24:12 +0000

The EU’s top court said the agreement liberalising agricultural trade with Morocco could remain in place for 12 months to avoid the negative consequences of an immediate annulment.

Top deforestation drivers could dodge ‘high risk’ tag under EU benchmarking

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:56:49 +0000

Recently published documents show that major deforestation drivers may avoid being labelled 'high risk' by the EU, as the Commission will instead focus on countries sanctioned by the UN Security Council or the EU.

Fishing suspension in Bay of Biscay sparks criticism by the European fishermen

Hugo Struna — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 13:18:37 +0000

The European Commission proposed a one month suspension of fishing in the area to avoid accidental catches of cetaceans, but fishermen worry of the socio-economic consequences.

Delay in EU anti-deforestation enforcement leaves little time to make changes

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:57:08 +0000

The proposed extension of the transition period for the EU's anti-deforestation rules has many worried that reopening the file could end up weakening some of its provisions.

Towards a sustainable, resilient and innovative EU food system [Promoted content]

Maria Polynaki — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:00:01 +0000

EU Specialty Food Ingredients, the voice of over 200 manufacturers of specialty food ingredients, calls upon the European Commission Presidency to clearly define its ambitions within the forthcoming "Vision for Agriculture and Food" publication.

European Algae Biomass president sees expansion of algae products in daily life, calls for improved EU algae market [Advocacy Lab Content]

Fiona Alston — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:25:55 +0000

Driven by a vision to advance Europe’s algae sector, Carlos Unamunzaga, President of the European Algae Biomass Association, spoke with Euractiv’s Fiona Alston about his plans to raise the profile of algae in the public eye.

National agricultural plans miss EU environmental targets, say European auditors

Hugo Struna — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:24:28 +0000

The Common Agricultural Policy implementation at member state level is not in line with the EU's green objectives, according to a report by the European Court of Auditors.

Ciao, Bruxelles! EU farming policy speaks a little more Italian

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:19:01 +0000

Massimiliano Giansanti has been elected president of Copa, the influential EU umbrella organisation for farmers' unions, cementing Italians' presence in key positions of the EU agricultural bubble.

EU farm subsidies inflate aromatic herb crops in southern France

Hugo Struna — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:30:47 +0000

Declarations for organic coriander cultivation have boomed this year in Occitanie, as farmers benefit from generous aid for conversion to bio cultivation of aromatic herbs, amid growing criticism in the sector against "misappropriation" of funds.

Europe’s algae market expanding, driven by product innovation, climate potential [Advocacy Lab Content]

Marco Venosta — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 02:18:01 +0000

With new product approvals in place and fierce competition from foreign markets, the European algae market is hotting up, driven by its climate-cooling potential. The global algae products market size is estimated to surpass €8.2 billion by 2033.

Algae biomass market booming on climate cooling potential [Advocacy Lab Content]

Fiona Alston — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 02:07:54 +0000

Driven by its potential to help cool the climate crisis, the algae biomass sector is accelerating across the EU. With new product approvals in place, and fierce competition from foreign markets, the algae market is hotting up.

Tensions rise between the EU and Norway over fishing quotas

Hugo Struna — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 13:28:36 +0000

Member States and the European fishing industry are criticising Norway for unilaterally appropriating excessive quotas for certain fish species, and are calling on the Commission to take trade sanctions to protect the European market.

EU countries support proposal to lower wolves’ protection status

Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 10:26:37 +0000

A majority of EU ambassadors backed a European Commission proposal on Wednesday (25 September) to lower the protection status of wolves in Europe. This marks a crucial first step towards amending the current rules under the Bern Convention.

Ministers call for delay in pesticide tracking obligations to ease burden on farmers

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:32:23 +0000

In a fresh effort to slash red-tape for farmers, at least 17 EU agriculture ministers, led by Poland, want to delay new obligations to electronically track pesticide use.

EU deforestation law in doubt as Germany pushes for postponement [Advocacy Lab Content]

Dave Keating — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 03:57:13 +0000

Calls for EUDR postponement has created confusion for companies over when, and if, they will have to comply. Lawmakers clashed this month over whether to stick with rigid enforcement of the EU’s new Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR).

EU must step up support for organic market, EU auditors say

Hugo Struna — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:18:59 +0000

The European Union will miss its target of 25% organic farmland by 2030 because of weak support for the sector, the European Court of Auditors said in a report published on Organic Farming Day on Monday (23 September).

EU Commission challenges China dairy probe at WTO

Angelo Di Mambro — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:38:59 +0000

In an unprecedented move on Monday (23 September), the European Commission has launched consultations at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against an ongoing investigation by the Beijing authorities into the compatibility of EU subsidies with global trade rules.

Commission juggles Mercosur deal, anti-deforestation rules, and farmers’ anger

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 12:49:30 +0000

EU trade enthusiasts may be disheartened to see trade lumped into the already extensive portfolio of Slovakia's nominee, Maroš Šefčovič— one of its longest-serving commissioners.

Bluetongue virus reaches Sweden, Norway amid a surge of outbreaks

Maria Simon Arboleas — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 10:08:03 +0000

After spreading rapidly across central Europe over the last few months, several cases of bluetongue virus (BTV) have been reported in Sweden and Norway, the first instances that far north in over a decade.

Our life with specialty food ingredients [Promoted content]

Maria Polynaki — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 10:00:18 +0000

Can you imagine a world without variety in food and grocery? Without specialty food ingredients, countless products would lose their characteristic colours, textures, flavours or nutritional value.

Von der Leyen to propose solution on EU anti-deforestation rules, according to EPP agriculture chief

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:26:41 +0000

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will propose either delaying the enforcement of the new deforestation regulation or finding an alternative solution to prevent it from taking effect on 30 December, she told colleagues at a European People’s Party (EPP) meeting this week.

Centre-right and socialists clash over EU deforestation law enforcement

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:57:46 +0000

The centre-right and the socialists in the European Parliament are at loggerheads over how to enforce the EU’s anti-deforestation law (EUDR), which will soon require companies to prove that EU-sold products – including foods – were not produced on deforested land.

NGOs and fishermen call for clearer labelling rules on canned fish

Hugo Struna — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 05:00:45 +0000

Processed seafood products, such as canned fish, should carry the same labelling as fresh fish to combat illegal fishing and ensure fair competition, European NGOs and fishermen’s organisations have said.

MEPs urge EU to end tolerance for pesticide residues in imported food

Angelo Di Mambro — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:29:21 +0000

On Wednesday (18 September), MEPs rejected two Commission proposals to adjust the limits for residues of some EU banned chemicals in food, as some of them are not reduced to zero in imported products.

Luxembourg’s Hansen chosen as EU farming chief, Hungary’s Várhelyi to retain food safety

Hugo Struna, Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 12:55:26 +0000

Christophe Hansen, Luxembourg’s nominee for European commissioner, is set to oversee the agriculture and food security portfolio – pending confirmation by the European Parliament – during the 2024-2029 term, Ursula von der Leyen announced to journalists on Tuesday (17 September) in Strasbourg.

Dutch government wants to reverse EU ban on electric pulse fishing

Hugo Struna — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:47:40 +0000

Banned in the EU since 2021, electric pulse fishing must be re-authorised, the Dutch government called for in its plan for agriculture, potentially reopening a drift especially with France and Belgium.

European citizens initiatives in agrifood, risk of fatigue?

Angelo Di Mambro — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:29:01 +0000

Initiatives related to agriculture, food and, in particular, animal protection and welfare account for an important share of European Citizens' Initiatives (ECIs). Seven of the 10 initiatives the Commission has had to respond to so far under the EU's participatory mechanism fall into these categories.

Greece offers cash benefits, tax breaks to reverse falling birthrate

Georgi Gotev — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 05:29:50 +0000

Greece outlined measures to boost its lagging birthrate on Thursday (12 September), from vouchers and childcare benefits to tax breaks for new parents, although experts questioned the plan's effectiveness.

EU committee rejects double standards on pesticide levels allowed in food

Giada Santana — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 04:00:08 +0000

EU farmers must comply with strict production standards, and so should third-country producers if they want to export to the EU, according to the latest vote by the ENVI committee. Does this approach signal the start of a new, more protectionist agricultural policy?

EU court says Hungary broke competition rules by fixing food prices

Maria Simon Arboleas — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 12:35:25 +0000

The European Union’s top court ruled on Thursday (12 September) that a Hungarian decree setting regulated prices for basic foodstuffs undermines fair competition, in a dispute first brought before a national court by international retailer SPAR.

Brazil asks EU to hold off on implementing deforestation law

Georgi Gotev — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:42:09 +0000

Brazil on Wednesday (11 September) asked the European Union not to implement regulations in its deforestation law at the end of the year as scheduled and asked for it to be revised to avoid hurting Brazilian exports.

Producers urge the EU to address delays in CAP aid for farms going organic

Hugo Struna — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:35:55 +0000

EU considers organic an asset for building more sustainable agriculture, but France and other European countries are struggling with delays in the payment of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies for farms transitioning to organic cultivation.

European wine sector seeks boost from stakeholder forum

Hugo Struna — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:28:25 +0000

Shifts in consumer taste, full cellars and climate change are putting the wine sector under pressure, as tomorrow (11 September) a new EU forum will kick off to seek solutions for the 'sick man' of Europe's food and drink industry.

Michel Barnier’s ‘agricultural’ past

Hugo Struna — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 13:58:58 +0000

The newly appointed French Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, is a familiar face in Brussels circles as a former MEP, Commissioner for the Internal Market and Brexit negotiator. But for many, his in-depth knowledge of European agricultural issues may come as a surprise.

Soaring temperatures need new genomic techniques to combat agriculture’s rising challenges [Advocacy Lab Content]

Elizabeth DeGaetano — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:05:37 +0000

As most of Europe headed to their favourite holiday destinations, European agriculture grappled with the challenges of record-breaking temperatures and prolonged droughts, impacting critical food-producing regions. Elisabeth looks at climate impact on EU agriculture.

EU still far from swine fever vaccine as concern grows in Italy

Maria Simon Arboleas — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:54:26 +0000

As Italy goes through an epidemic of African swine fever (ASF) that is putting the production of ham under stress, the Commission warns that the bloc is not close to finding a vaccine against the disease.

Strategic Dialogue calls for big changes in EU farm funding

Giada Santana — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 22:00:38 +0000

The Strategic Dialogue on Agriculture’s final recommendations suggest agricultural policy needs to fundamentally change. What does this shift look like?

Poor European wheat harvests could boost Russian economy, warn experts

Hugo Struna — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:45:22 +0000

Poor soft wheat harvests in Europe and increased demand in third countries could intensify the ‘Russification of the market’ to the detriment of the EU, according to experts.

Stakeholders’ forum hints at revolution in EU farm subsidies

Maria Simon Arboleas — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:14:34 +0000

The conclusions of the roundtable on the future of EU agriculture call for a shift away from land-based subsidies towards more support for small farms and incentives for producers who go green while supporting demand for healthy and sustainable diets.

EU Mediterranean countries call on the Commission to speed up water strategy

Hugo Struna — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:03:30 +0000

At a meeting in Cyprus on Tuesday (3 September), agriculture ministers from nine member states urged the bloc's executive to make rapid progress on policies on water security.

Promising crop forecasts suggest olive oil price relief

Maria Simon Arboleas — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 15:33:19 +0000

Olive oil prices in the EU reached record highs last January, surging by up to 50% compared to the previous year and leading to significant changes in consumers’ choices.

EU agriculture commissioner: Who wants the hot potato?

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 11:19:02 +0000

There’s hardly any competition - let alone fierce rivalry - among member states for the agriculture portfolio at the European Commission. In fact, only one nominee has even expressed interest in the role.

France is neglecting the EU, warns head of the national farmers’ union

Hugo Struna — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:56:23 +0000

The president of the influential farmers union, FNSEA, expressed regret over Paris's lack of involvement in shaping the new European Commission, urging French politicians to reengage actively in Brussels, in a press conference on Thursday (29 August).

China holds off on EU brandy tariffs but alleges dumping and damage

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 12:28:03 +0000

China announced on 29 August that it would not impose provisional tariffs on EU brandy, signalling a potential easing of trade tensions with the 27-member bloc.

Hungarian Presidency minister to open annual non-GMO summit

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:57:39 +0000

István Nagy, Hungary’s minister of agriculture and current chair of the EU’s Agriculture and Fisheries Council, will deliver the opening remarks at the international non-GMO summit, which this year will focus on the political debate surrounding new genomic techniques (NGTs).

Commission proposes clampdown on fishing in the Baltic Sea, compliance with EU rules

Hugo Struna — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:52:13 +0000

The European Commission proposed restrictive quotas in the Baltic Sea for all species except for herring while also calling for stricter application of EU fishing rules, on Monday (26 August).

Turning the tide on tail-docking: will Denmark’s State Aid scheme to improve pig welfare inspire other Member States? [Promoted content]

Dr. Joanna Swabe — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 05:00:34 +0000

Around 134 million pigs are farmed for food in the European Union. The vast majority of these highly intelligent animals will undergo surgical mutilation at a tender age with a portion of their tails being chopped off, generally without the use of anaesthesia or pain relief.

EU seeks tweaks to pesticide rules to fast-track sustainable solutions

Maria Simon Arboleas — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:06:20 +0000

Member states have until next week to submit their views to the European Commission on a proposal for a common definition of biocontrol products, which stakeholders say could help speed up the approval process.

Moderation and premium drinks are reshaping Europe’s alcohol market

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:13:41 +0000

Europe boasts some of the world’s most renowned spirits, from French cognac to Scottish whisky, but consumer tastes are shifting—mixing spirits and the rise of low and non-alcohol options are reshaping the industry due to pressure from economic challenges.

New competition bubbles up in Europe’s sparkling wine market

Hugo Struna — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 13:39:57 +0000

In a booming European sparkling wine market, the evolution of consumer habits and climate change are paving the way for new producers such as the UK and Sweden to challenge the hegemony of traditional products, experts say.

Food stakeholders get back to work on much-awaited dialogue on agriculture

Maria Simon Arboleas — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 13:09:58 +0000

The 29 food sector representatives summoned at the roundtable launched by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to “tackle polarisation” in the sector, will discuss a draft version of the dialogue's conclusions next week.

What are the controversies around novel foods

Evi Kiorri — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 04:00:41 +0000

The term “novel foods” is becoming more popular by the day. But to make it to the European supermarkets it needs to be assessed by the EU food safety authority and then get the greenlight from the European Commission.

Food price becomes political battleground on both sides of the Atlantic

Hugo Struna — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:00:22 +0000

US vice-president and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has pledged to fight "price gouging" on grocery shelves, and the EU wants fairer pay for farmers as experts call for more transparency in the food chain.

EU and member states take action to tackle resurgence of animal diseases

Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:32:13 +0000

Several animal diseases made a comeback across the European Union this summer, forcing authorities to impose transport restrictions and the culling of thousands of livestock amid financial losses for farmers and concerns about the potential impact on the bloc’s exports.

China targets EU cheese and milk in anti-subsidy investigation

Hugo Struna, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 12:01:51 +0000

China has initiated an anti-subsidy probe into dairy products imported from the European Union, once again placing the bloc’s agri-food sector at the forefront of trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels.

EU halts free imports of Ukrainian honey

Maria Simon Arboleas — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:35:38 +0000

The European Commission announced on Tuesday (20 August) that import volumes of Ukrainian honey had exceeded the limit fixed in the regulation setting trade benefits for Kyiv, triggering the reintroduction of tariff quotas.

Bluetongue virus cases soar among Europe livestock

Georgi Gotev — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 04:05:42 +0000

Bluetongue virus cases have shot up in several European countries, data gathered by AFP on Tuesday (13 August) showed, as farmers are worrying about consequences for sheep and cattle.

As Europe eyes cultivated meat, funding concerns for alternative protein sector loom large

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:12:48 +0000

As the European Union prepares to assess the first application to sell cultivated meat across the 27-member bloc, companies in the alternative protein sector grapple with the challenge of securing the investment needed to scale up production.

France sees 25% drop in 2024 soft wheat crop after relentless rainfall

EURACTIV with Reuters — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 11:18:08 +0000

The French agriculture ministry sharply lowered its estimate of the country's 2024 soft wheat output, now expected 25% below last year's volume, making it one of the worst harvests of these past 40 years in the EU's largest grain grower.

EU potato sector points to climate, changing consumer habits as production drops by 37% in over 20 years

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:49:18 +0000

From Belgian frites to Spanish tortilla de patata and Italian gnocchi, potatoes are a culinary cornerstone across Europe. Yet, a new Eurostat report confirms a persistent decline in production, despite a slight uptick last year.

Greek and Romanian farmers struggle with goat plague outbreak

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:06:23 +0000

A deadly virus affecting sheep and goat continues to ravage Greek and Romanian farms, prompting both governments to impose restrictions on animal transport to curb the disease’s spread.

New EU legislation on farm emissions takes effect

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 13:31:04 +0000

A revised version of the EU’s rules on industrial emissions came into force on Sunday (4 July), extending to more livestock farms than previous legislation.

Plant-based diets gain traction in the EU but culture and economy still shape food choices

Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:39:47 +0000

EU member states are increasingly integrating climate change concerns into their dietary guidelines, but economic and cultural differences among countries continue to stand in the way of an EU-wide consensus on sustainable and healthy diets.

NGOs and industry share worries over EU anti-deforestation law

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:26:17 +0000

The looming implementation of an EU law aimed at making European supply chains deforestation-free has united industry, traders, farmers, and NGOs in concern.

French farmers call for EU aid to mitigate impact of poor grain harvest

Hugo Struna — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:00:01 +0000

French wheat growers are calling for the release of the EU's crisis funding, known as agricultural reserve, and increased state aid for the sector as persistent rains since last autumn are leading to poor harvests in major European grain-producing countries.

Cultivated foie gras could pave way for more lab-grown meats, EU farmers warn

Maria Simon Arboleas — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:59:14 +0000

As a French company seeks approval to sell a cell-based duck product mimicking the famous foie gras, the EU livestock sector denounced the move as “a perfect door opener” for other lab-grown products, questioning their safety and sustainability.

After Austria, the EU’s top court sets Spain straight on wolf hunting

Hugo Struna — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 14:06:52 +0000

Regions cannot authorise the hunting of wolves if their population numbers are still low at the national level, as is the case in Spain's Castilla Leon region, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) said on Monday (29 July), weeks after upholding strict protection measures in Austria.

NGOs pressure Commission to include animal welfare in next vision of future of farming

Hugo Struna — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:54:21 +0000

European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has announced that her new Commission will unveil a ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’ in the first 100 days in office, but associations are calling for animal welfare to be included in it as von der Leyen did not mention the topic in her investiture speech in the European Parliament.

Tension mounts in Europe over water use and storage for agriculture

Anna Martino, Hugo Struna, Maria Simon Arboleas — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 08:41:42 +0000

Water management and storage systems raise questions in southern European countries, while a French movement is preparing protests over water reserves for farmers and aims to mobilise citizens up to the Venice lagoon in northern Italy.

EU gets first-ever request to authorise sale of lab-grown meat

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 07:01:02 +0000

In an EU first, French company Gourmey has requested a pre-market authorisation for lab-grown foie gras in the 27-member bloc amid a heated debate among European governments over food innovation.

EU agriculture chief slams the idea of reform-linked funds for farmers

Angelo Di Mambro, Maria Simon Arboleas — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:46:11 +0000

The idea of having an EU budget, including for agriculture, based on political conditions and milestones, as is the case with the bloc’s post-pandemic recovery fund, is "unacceptable," the outgoing Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski told Euractiv.

NGOs take relaxation of CAP green rules to EU’s administrative watchdog

Maria Simon Arboleas — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:17:56 +0000

NGOs ClientEarth and BirdLife Europe on Wednesday (24 July) presented a complaint to the EU Ombudsman over the European Commission’s decision to relax some of the environmental requirements under the bloc’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

European Parliament’s agriculture committee deplores cuts in food promotion funding

Hugo Struna — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 10:46:16 +0000

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) criticized the reduction of the EU support for the promotion of agricultural products, despite the Commission's reassurance about the possible rectification of the budget in the autumn.

Spain’s Carmen Crespo to lead European Parliament’s fisheries Committee

Hugo Struna — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:02:14 +0000

Carmen Crespo Díaz, a Spanish lawmaker from the European People's Party (EPP), was elected by acclamation chair of the European Parliament's Fisheries Committee on Tuesday (23 July), an appointment welcomed by the industry and environmental NGOs.

Parliament’s AGRI committee clashes over gender balance in lead positions

Maria Simon Arboleas — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 11:05:07 +0000

The European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee (AGRI) elected on Tuesday (23 July) Czech MEP Veronika Vrecionová as its chair but postponed a vote on one of the vice-chairs after a dispute about gender balance.

Greens’ top agriculture MEP trusts von der Leyen’s promises on sustainable farming

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:57:39 +0000

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen committed to making agriculture a part of the Green Deal while ensuring that farmers can make a living during negotiations with the Greens/EFA last week, the Greens' coordinator for agriculture, Thomas Waitz, told Euractiv.

UK clears lab-grown meat for pet food amid heated EU debate on food innovation

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:34:38 +0000

The UK has become the first European country to authorise the sale of lab-grown meat, albeit for pet food rather than human consumption, following approval by the country’s regulators earlier this month.

Key takeaways from the new crop of agriculture MEPs

Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:33:32 +0000

The official lineup for the new European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) was confirmed on Friday (19 July), with a make-up promising more political action in this term.

New parliament’s fisheries committee braces for challenging agenda

Hugo Struna — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:29:12 +0000

The reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) will be among the main tasks for the new European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries, with the European People's Party (EPP) in pole for the chair post.

EU looks at water strategy as conflict grows over agricultural use of large reservoirs

Hugo Struna — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 16:09:06 +0000

The re-elected president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced "a strategy for sustainable management of water" at a time when 21 EU ministers called for water to be a top priority on the European agenda and France was set to see demonstrations against large water reservoirs for irrigation.

Von der Leyen promises fair income for farmers in second term as Commission president

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:07:48 +0000

Ursula von der Leyen pledged to guarantee a fair income for European farmers in her address to the European Parliament on Thursday, dealing with one of the main demands emerging from the protests that swept across the EU in early 2024.

Economists warn no easy fix for low farm prices as EU launches agrifood observatory

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:27:52 +0000

The newly established EU Agri-Food Chain Observatory, aimed at enhancing transparency in prices and the distribution of added value in the agri-food sector, held its inaugural meeting on 17 July.

Renew’s Valerie Hayer among big names in next Parliament’s agriculture committee

Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 17:46:33 +0000

Liberal leader Valerie Hayer and socialist chief Iratxe Garcia Perez are among the big names set to join the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee (AGRI) for the new term, draft lists of several political groups seen by Euractiv show.

Brake on Green Deal and simpler rules: Agricultural ministers’ wish list for next term

Hugo Struna — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:58:11 +0000

Exempting agriculture from net-zero climate plans, stronger support for farmers and the demand for simpler rules for national administrations are among the key requests emerging from a debate held in the Council on Monday (15 July).

EU ministers clash over Hungary’s stance on vegetarian, insect-based food

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:45:10 +0000

Ministers from agricultural powerhouses Spain and Germany spoke out against Hungary's stance on "novel foods" at the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) in Brussels on Monday (15 July).

Netting a better seal deal, balancing animal welfare with fishing rights [Advocacy Lab Content]

Fiona Alston — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:48:33 +0000

Animal welfare groups are hoping EU legislation protecting seals is kept above board, while Baltic fishermen are trying to salvage political nets in their fight to ensure adequate fish hauls.

EU backtracks on 2027 target for use of smartphones in farm controls

Maria Simon Arboleas — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:32:23 +0000

On Thursday (11 July) the bloc dropped the target of making the use of photos taken by farmers with their smartphones mandatory by 2027, in a setback for ambitions to digitise Common Agricultural Policy checks on farmers.

The heavy toll of mines on Ukraine’s agriculture

Clara Marchaud — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 10:07:04 +0000

In Ukraine, the efforts by the government and international NGOs to clear mines are falling short of the urgent needs of farmers, who often do the work themselves.

Economic reasons not enough to allow wolf hunting, says EU Court of Justice

Hugo Struna — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:40:47 +0000

In a ruling published on Thursday (11 June), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) upheld a request by NGOs for a ban on wolf hunting in Austria, authorised by derogation, at a time when EU Member States are struggling to agree on a common position on the issue.

Hungarian presidency launches offensive against ‘novel’ food to defend EU’s ‘culinary tradition’

Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:09:17 +0000

At Budapest's initiative, EU agriculture ministers will discuss on Monday (15 July) whether insects, plant-based foods or lab-grown meat could jeopardise Europe's culinary traditions.

HSI Europe Manifesto – Promoting and protecting animal welfare in Europe [Advocacy Lab Content]

Pablo López-Galiacho Jara — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 12:00:10 +0000

In Europe, millions of citizens care about the protection of animals. The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union explicitly recognises that animals are sentient beings and that the EU and Member States must pay full regard to their welfare requirements in policymaking.

EU’s food watchdog dismisses concerns over gene-edited crops proposal amid Council deadlock

Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 10:06:58 +0000

The EU’s food safety authority (EFSA) said that the Commission's criteria to relax rules on certain gene-edited foods are 'scientifically justified', while the Hungarian Council Presidency is pulling the brakes on the file.

European fisheries hope for closer EU-UK collaboration after Labour victory

Hugo Struna — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:57:20 +0000

The Labour Party's victory in the UK general election has opened up the prospect of harmonisation and collaboration with the EU, according to Europe's fishing industry, although concerned about promises concerning bans in marine protected areas.

EU centre-right aims for agriculture Commissioner, says party’s farming policy chief

Angelo Di Mambro — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:23:33 +0000

The chair of the European Parliament's Agriculture and Rural Development Committee (AGRI) will go to the Conservatives, the current European People’s Party (EPP) coordinator for agriculture Herbert Dorfmann, told Euractiv, as they aim for the post of Commissioner for Agriculture.

Starmer vows to champion farming, but uncertainty remains over UK agriculture plans

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 11:22:37 +0000

The UK's new centre-left government has pledged to champion British farming and prioritise food security, but questions linger over Labour’s plans for the country's post-Brexit farming policies.