Agrifood

Towards a sustainable, resilient and innovative EU food system

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.

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

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.

Used cooking oil: there is a cobra in the room

The European green oil industry is concerned about massive and potentially fraudulent imports of biofuels from Asia. This fraud consists of importing so-called “used cooking oil biofuels” which are in fact biofuels made from virgin palm oil.

REFIT and Reseal: Why the EU Must Uphold the Ban on Trade in Seal Products

It is fitting that the European Commission periodically reviews legislation to ensure that it is still delivering on its objectives in a cost-effective way. Sometimes, however, a ‘REFIT’ risks poking a hornets’ nest.

As Russia shifts from gas exports to fertilizers, it is time for the EU to act

The EU is becoming increasingly dependent on imports of Russian fertilizers, accounting for around a third of total EU imports of urea. This is providing revenue for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and putting EU producers out of business.

Why Europe needs to rethink its pesticide classifications

Biocontrols like peptides offer Europe’s growers new and more sustainable ways to manage crop pests, but without an overhaul of pesticide product classifications and authorisations, European farmers can’t access these vital tools. Vestaron Corporation’s Juan Estupan explains why regulatory change is needed.

Bold policymaking is vital for transforming Europe’s food system

In the midst of political transition, collaboration across the food system is vital

Europe is entering a new era of politics, with the results of the European elections of 6-9 June set to make a huge impact across the European Union and beyond.

Animal health is integral to secure food systems. Is the EU ready for the challenges ahead?

The global population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050. To meet this growing demand, animal protein production must increase overall by an estimated 20% over the next two decades. Amid the complex landscape of geopolitical tensions and economic challenges the world is facing, securing food supply for the future will need to take a “One Health” approach; a concept that’s been recognized for over a century that animal, human, and environmental health are inextricably linked to safeguarding public health.

EU Agri-Food Value Chain Calls on Lawmakers to Ensure a Low Carbon Food Future

To reduce the carbon footprint of food, all stakeholders, including farmers, companies, and regulators, need to collaborate on solutions which drive demand towards sustainable products.

What Members of the European Parliament need to know to call for a science-based regulation for food safety in the European fish processing industry

A Delegated Regulation is threatening the EU fish processing industry and consumers. To avert foreseen risks, the Polish Association of Fish Processors urges MEPs to reject it at the plenary session of 10-11 April and call for consultation with EFSA.

Europe’s Agri-food Sector: A Call for Innovation and Sustainability

The agriculture sector is the backbone that helps feed the 450 million people in the EU with healthy, affordable food. Yet, despite its apparent strength, our food markets face
unprecedented challenges.

European Parliament Elections – Let’s get back to growth, Europe!

The European Parliament Elections in June 2024 will be a landmark for the economic and political direction of EU. Policymakers should seize this opportunity to strengthen the Single Market and make the EU a strong player vis-à-vis our global competitors.

EU citizens care about animal welfare, but why is this not being translated into political action?

Animal welfare is one of those rare issues that is neither left nor right. Across the political spectrum and irrespective of nationality, you’ll always find politicians who care about the plight of animals; it is certainly not the exclusive domain of the Greens and the Left.

To achieve the EU Green Deal, we need landscape finance

Despite the potential for nature restoration to bring benefits for multiple sectors across Europe, the funding gap remains immense and urgent. With 19 international organisations, we’re proposing a new funding model: “Landscape Finance”, a financing approach that supports holistic, community-driven landscape restoration.

Closing the Loop on PPWR: Member States and MEPs’ alignment could secure complementary solutions and an EU level-playing field.

After a year-long discussions, the EU Parliament and the Council of the EU reached their negotiating positions on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. SBFE shares its take on the likely outcome of reuse and refill obligations, as well as suggestions for enhancing recyclability.