Agrifood – Euractiv

EU countries endorse ban of Bisphenol A in food packaging

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:55:37 +0000

EU member states have backed a proposal to ban Bisphenol A (BPA) in food and drink packaging, to protect the health of citizens and ensure “the highest food safety standards,” the European Commission said on 12 June.

Elected lawmakers set to shape the EU’s agrifood policy

Angelo Di Mambro, Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 04:45:16 +0000

Euractiv’s agri-food hub has identified all incoming lawmakers likely to influence agricultural policy over the 2024-2029 mandate.

Portugal backpedals on Nutri-score food labelling system

Maria Simon Arboleas — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:29:19 +0000

The Lisbon government clarified on Tuesday (11 June) that the previous executive's recommendation to adopt the controversial traffic light food labelling system had been issued without proper consultation with food authorities.

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

Jamie Brannan — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 10:00:35 +0000

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.

Finland offers vaccination against bird flu to those working with poultry, or on fur farms

Catherine Feore — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:26:49 +0000

Finland has become the first country in the EU to vaccinate against the H5N1 avian flu, currently spreading among US cattle, announcing that it will use the Sequirus vaccine that has been jointly procured at the EU level.

The left struggles to mobilise farmers in Europe

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 14:41:32 +0000

During this electoral campaign, agricultural issues have taken centre stage due to the spectacular protests staged by farmers across Europe since January.

Wojciechowski: Agrifood sector should be spared from EU-China trade tensions

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:46:25 +0000

Agrifood products should be kept out of the current EU-China trade tensions as the Asian giant is a key partner for the sector, EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski told Euractiv.

Familiar faces and newcomers, key agri-food candidates to watch in EU Elections

Maria Simon Arboleas — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:52:16 +0000

On the eve of the EU elections, Euractiv takes a look at the expected outs – and possible “ins” – of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee (AGRI).

Argentine beef sector takes steps to meet new EU import rules on deforestation

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 14:07:12 +0000

Argentina unveiled its first certification scheme for deforestation-free beef to European Union authorities in Brussels on Monday (3 June) as the country prepares for a new EU law targeting imports linked to deforestation.

Organic advocates celebrate legal win to halt ‘Eco-score’ labels

Hugo Struna — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:45:03 +0000

The European federation of organic agriculture and its French members obtained a judicial agreement on 4 June to put an end to labels using the name 'Eco-score' for food products, as it can be misleading for consumers.

Sweden to ban bottom fishing in territorial waters

Hugo Struna — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 03:47:17 +0000

Sweden is set to become the second EU country to ban bottom fishing in marine protected areas, going a step further than Greece's April decision by banning it in all territorial waters.

Fix biosolutions legislative landscape or lose talent and scale-ups, says strategist [Advocacy Lab Content]

Brian Maguire — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 01:20:10 +0000

Investors champion biotechnology with AI as the engine of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but despite Europe’s strong ambitions biotech analysts say legislation designed for chemicals is not fit for the biological. The result is an exodus of talent and investment.

Radical farmers rally in Brussels calling for overhaul of EU green agenda

Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:35:47 +0000

Over a thousand farmers from at least nine EU countries gathered on the outskirts of Brussels, on Tuesday 4 June, protesting against European environmental rules and trade agreements, just days before voters head to the polls.

EU agrifood policy – Navigating the next mandate [Advocacy Lab Content]

Zoran Popovici — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 07:30:45 +0000

The European Parliament elections are fast approaching, and agrifood policies have taken the spotlight following a wave of protests and demonstrations across the EU in recent months.

EU challenges Colombia’s compliance with WTO ruling on frozen fries spat

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:01:51 +0000

The European Union has filed a compliance request with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regarding Colombian tariffs on imports of Belgian, German, and Dutch frozen fries that the European Commission has deemed discriminatory.

Farmers and activists call for greener agricultural policies during pre-election demonstration

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 16:33:16 +0000

Environmental groups and farmers called for a transition to a sustainable agri-food system, climate action, and the approval of the stalled nature restoration law during a modest demonstration in Brussels on Saturday (1 June).

Indigenous groups warn of continued deforestation in Malaysia, as EU law nears

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 31 May 2024 13:53:58 +0000

Representatives of Malaysia’s indigenous peoples, along with climate and human rights NGOs, urged the European Commission to involve civil society in discussions about the EU’s anti-deforestation regulation (EUDR) during a visit to Brussels this week.

Do we need a biofuel police?

Angelo Di Mambro — Fri, 31 May 2024 13:50:08 +0000

At the transport and energy Council yesterday (30 May), France, Germany and the Netherlands called the European Commission to launch controls in 3rd countries to reinforce the mesures against the import of fraudulent biofuels.

Improve pig welfare standards, demand animal rights advocates [Advocacy Lab Content]

Fiona Alston — Thu, 30 May 2024 22:17:25 +0000

Pig producers across the EU should deliver higher welfare standards than the EU Pig Directive currently requires, say activists who are now calling for better practices and additional measures to ensure pig welfare.

Commission moves ahead with simplification measures for farmers

Maria Simon Arboleas — Thu, 30 May 2024 14:51:50 +0000

On Thursday (30 May), the EU executive made it easier to exempt farmers from the requirements to receive subsidies in case of exceptional weather events, and will next week propose relaxing the obligation to use geo-tagged photos for control purposes.

EU hits Russian grain imports with tariff hike, countries call for further restrictions

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Thu, 30 May 2024 13:24:23 +0000

European Union countries have greenlighted a sharp increase in tariffs on Russian and Belarusian grain in a move aimed at halting imports of these products to the 27-member bloc on Thursday (30 May).

NGO calls on EU to ban fast-growing chicken breeds

Hugo Struna — Thu, 30 May 2024 10:36:37 +0000

Fast-growing broilers must be banned in the European Union for animal welfare reasons, the NGO Eurogroup for Animals said, while representatives of European poultry producers countered that this would necessarily lead to higher prices for consumers and environmental problems.

EU cereal producers face impact from reduced toxin limits, warns MEP

Angelo Di Mambro, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 29 May 2024 15:38:43 +0000

The reduction of the maximum level allowed for mycotoxins in cereals, substances produced by fungi that can harm human health if consumed in sufficient quantities, could cost European cereal producers dearly, warned French European Parliament (MEP) Anne Sander.

After protests German farmers remain ‘very dissatisfied’ with federal government

Kjeld Neubert — Wed, 29 May 2024 09:56:38 +0000

January farmers' rallies in Germany marked the beginning of European demonstrations, but while they have largely ebbed away, growers remain unsatisfied with how the national government works.

Labour shortage, landmines plague Ukraine’s family farms, warns report

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 29 May 2024 05:00:22 +0000

Smallholder farmers in Ukraine continue to grapple with the impact of the Russian invasion, facing damaged infrastructure, lack of veterinary services and drugs, increased production costs and landmine contamination, according to a report from humanitarian charity Mercy Corps.

Twitter Space: Upcoming EU mandate, what are the new agrifood priorities?

EURACTIV's Agrifood Hub — Tue, 28 May 2024 12:56:48 +0000

2024 marks the year of another significant change in the EU’s political composition. Every five years, EU leaders collectively determine the EU's political priorities, a process occurring in conjunction with the European Parliament elections and preceding the appointment of each European Commission. Kicked off by the European elections in early June, the shifts in political groups and coalitions within the EU will shape its policy agenda and future legislation. Listen to this recent Euractiv Twitter Space to gather new information and opinions on the upcoming EU legislation and its possible priorities for the European agricultural sector.

EU countries determined to strengthen tools to prevent, manage agricultural crisis

Hugo Struna — Tue, 28 May 2024 12:04:29 +0000

At the Agrifish Council on Monday 27 May, the Member States' agriculture ministers announced their desire to strengthen crisis management tools, calling for more budgets and greater flexibility.

Group of EU countries pushes to extend food origin labelling

Maria Simon Arboleas — Tue, 28 May 2024 08:35:37 +0000

A dozen EU countries backed Germany and Austria's push to extend mandatory origin labelling to a wider range of food products at a Council meeting on Monday (27 May), despite concerns from some countries about disrupting the market and raising prices for consumers.

Agriculture’s quiet digital innovation revolution, CtrlPlantRepeat [Advocacy Lab Content]

Elizabeth De Gaetano — Tue, 28 May 2024 00:51:27 +0000

In Europe’s fields, a revolution is quietly unfolding, it’s not a rebellion of pitchforks and torches, but of drones and data. Innovation, the invisible hand guiding this transformation, is sowing the seeds of a new agricultural epoch.

Smallholder farmers struggling with new forestry requirements [Advocacy Lab Content]

Dave Keating — Tue, 28 May 2024 00:13:29 +0000

Farmers with small plots of land are struggling with new requirements as part of the EU Deforestation Regulation, lacking resources and technical know-how, and leaving them open to exploitation by larger suppliers.

French farmers’ union boss wants Timmermans-style agriculture commissioner

Hugo Struna — Mon, 27 May 2024 04:46:47 +0000

Arnaud Rousseau, the head of France's largest farmers' union, is delighted to see food sovereignty taking centre stage in the political debate, and calls for the appointment of a Commissioner for Agriculture who would also be Vice-President of the Commission.

Agrifood Special CAPitals Brief: the rules against unfair trade practices

Euractiv Network — Fri, 24 May 2024 14:49:15 +0000

Our tour of the EU this time focuses on unfair trade practices (UTPs) in the food supply chain, such as late payments or sales below production costs.

Austrian farm minister pushes for quick adoption of proposal to lower wolf’s protection status

Maria Simon Arboleas — Fri, 24 May 2024 14:39:11 +0000

Austrian diplomats will present a note pushing for quick adoption of the proposal to lower the protection status of wolves at a Council meeting on Monday (27 May) but EU countries are split on the issue, with a group of capitals calling for more data on the level of threat posed by the species.

EU countries fail again to find agreement on gene edited plants patents

Angelo Di Mambro — Fri, 24 May 2024 11:47:23 +0000

Despite the presentation of a new compromise text from the Belgian presidency, national experts could not find an agreement to unblock one of the agrifood unfinished dossier of the legislature.

Commission suggests incentives to reduce dependency on protein in animal feed

Hugo Struna — Fri, 24 May 2024 10:24:54 +0000

EU specific support to oilseeds production and a joint public-private effort in research are key elements to increase the supply of EU-made proteins for animal feed, the bloc's executive recommended in a study published today (24 May).

Stakeholders and NGOs mount pressure on Commission on anti-deforestation rules implementation

Angelo Di Mambro, Maria Simon Arboleas — Thu, 23 May 2024 14:55:30 +0000

Food and agriculture stakeholders are asking the European Commission to finalise the details of the EU's deforestation regulation while a group of agriculture ministers seek a postponement, a move opposed by NGOs and ruled out by the Commission for now.

EU Commission fines US confectionery giant Mondelez €337.5 million

Thomas Moller-Nielsen — Thu, 23 May 2024 12:19:35 +0000

The European Commission fined US confectionary giant Mondelez €337.5 million on Thursday (23 May) for engaging in anti-competitive behaviour which inflated food prices and exacerbated the cost of living crisis across the EU.

EU’s strategic dialogue on agriculture halfway through but still far from conclusions

Maria Simon Arboleas — Thu, 23 May 2024 11:06:36 +0000

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's initiative to tackle polarisation in the agricultural sector is expected to reach its conclusions by September, but sources close to the talks told Euractiv that stakeholders are still not close to defining concrete agreements.

Belgian EU presidency seeks to break stalemate on gene edited plants patents

Angelo Di Mambro — Wed, 22 May 2024 15:08:50 +0000

In a compromise text seen by Euractiv, which will be discussed until Thursday (23 May), the Belgian presidency of the EU Council aims to overcome the main obstacle for EU countries to reach a common position on the controversial rules on last-generation biotech crops.

French government scraps organic farming targets from agri law under discussion

Hugo Struna — Wed, 22 May 2024 12:59:03 +0000

The first article of the national agricultural orientation law has been voted through French parliament, removing the targets of 15% of farmland for organic agriculture and 8% for legumes.

The EU quota for imported sugar from Ukraine is already filled, Kyiv producers warn

Hugo Struna — Tue, 21 May 2024 16:57:42 +0000

The volumes exported to the bloc have already reached the limit established in the new 'trade benefits' regulation, Ukrainian producers said calling for the EU to stop importing sugar from their country for 2024.

Ukraine must continue receiving strong European support in food, agricultural sector

Tue, 21 May 2024 10:52:40 +0000

The agriculture ministers from Nordic-Baltic countries urge the EU to strongly support Ukraine’s ability to export its agricultural products to the EU and to world markets.

The evolution of Solidarity Lanes

Angelo Di Mambro — Fri, 17 May 2024 13:14:42 +0000

On 16 May, the European Commission, in partnership with Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and the US, inaugurated a renewed Ukrainian-Moldovan border crossing point in Reni, Ukraine.

Farmers’ party pushes for hard line on agriculture in Dutch coalition

Maria Simon Arboleas — Fri, 17 May 2024 13:07:26 +0000

The Dutch farmers’ party BoerBurgerBeweging (BBB) put agriculture among the top priorities in the coalition agreement signed on Thursday (16 May) with far-right PVV, liberal VVD, and anti-corruption NSC.

EU maize producers concerned by Ukraine export, eyeing integration as an opportunity

Hugo Struna — Fri, 17 May 2024 10:41:07 +0000

According to experts at the European Maize Congress, Ukraine’s reinvigorated capacity to export cereals raises questions about competition with EU producers, but future integration can be an opportunity for the bloc to increase the influence in the food global markets.

Two major agri files EU Parliament will have to tackle in the next term

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 17 May 2024 04:51:48 +0000

The end-2023 MEPs failure to approve a comprehensive reform of the rules on pesticides epitomizes the difficulties of the Green Deal in agrifood policy. Two big agrifood policy files are pending for the next Parliament.

EU to tighten grip on emergency pesticide use with new guidance on derogations

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Thu, 16 May 2024 11:32:38 +0000

The European Commission wants to tighten the leash on emergency use of EU-banned pesticides, according to a draft version of a new guidance document seen by Euractiv, which states that countries cannot allow the use of substances that are explicitly prohibited within the bloc.

After UK ban on live animal exports, NGOs step up pressure on the European Commission

Hugo Struna — Wed, 15 May 2024 15:03:32 +0000

Following the UK Parliament's approval of a ban on the export of live animals, European NGOs are welcoming this "historic" step forward and urging the EU to follow suit.

Food sector among winners of a ‘Buy European’ approach, says study

Maria Simon Arboleas — Wed, 15 May 2024 11:09:36 +0000

Including local and sustainability criteria in public procurement of food would be compatible with WTO rules and would also bring significant climate and economic benefits, according to a report published on Wednesday (15 May) by consultancy Carbone4.

EU envoys to discuss lowering protection status of wolves amid NGOs’ concerns

Angelo Di Mambro — Tue, 14 May 2024 15:46:06 +0000

EU ambassadors will debate lowering the protection status of wolves on Wednesday (15 May), a controversial move that has no scientific justification, according to conservationists, who denounced it in an open letter.

France announces low carbon fertilisers plant to reduce dependence on Russian imports

Hugo Struna — Mon, 13 May 2024 15:49:11 +0000

French president Emmanuel Macron announced the project aiming at producing decarbonised nitrogenous fertilisers at the "Choose France" summit, an annual meeting of international business leaders at the Château de Versailles, on Monday 13 May.

EU countries seal relaxation of CAP green requirements until 2027

Maria Simon Arboleas — Mon, 13 May 2024 11:08:34 +0000

The EU Council gave its final green light on Monday (13 May) to a relaxation of the environmental rules under the bloc’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which will apply until the end of the current period in 2027 despite vocal protests from green NGOs.

NGOs unite against EU’s rollback of green policies for the agrifood sector

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Mon, 13 May 2024 04:45:59 +0000

Hundreds of civil society organisations decried the recent reversal of EU sustainability policies for the bloc’s agrifood sector in an open letter published on May 13.

Polish farmers march against ‘green poison’ EU climate change rules

goran.magdic — Fri, 10 May 2024 13:30:59 +0000

Thousands of protesters marched through the streets of the Polish capital Warsaw on Friday to show their opposition to European Union environmental regulations that farmers say are driving them out of business.

Campaigners pressure member states for ambitious food waste reduction targets

Maria Simon Arboleas — Fri, 10 May 2024 13:14:23 +0000

With around 10% of food made available to EU consumers going down the drain - and just six years to meet the 2030 UN target of halving food waste – there is neither time nor food to waste.

Wojciechowski is ‘grateful’ for farmers’ protests, CAP should be based on incentives

Aleksandra Krzysztoszek — Fri, 10 May 2024 03:57:52 +0000

EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski told Euractiv he is grateful for the recent wave of farmers' protests, which helped ensure a swift response to their problems with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), a system that should be based on incentives, not obligations.

Europe’s biosolutions sector is leveraging nature to strengthen sustainability and resilience [Advocacy Lab Content]

Brian Maguire — Thu, 09 May 2024 02:47:59 +0000

Biosolutions are nature's tools, offering a powerful pathway to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and greener future, while potentially strengthening Europe’s resilience, supply chain sovereignty and competitiveness.

EU seeks post-election approval of Mercosur trade deal, says Brussels’ chief negotiator

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 08 May 2024 15:59:25 +0000

The EU is preparing for swift approval of a long-stalled trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – post-June's European Parliament elections, according to Rupert Schlegelmilch, Brussels’ top negotiator.

Bernhard Url asked to stay at least another year as head of EFSA

Angelo Di Mambro — Wed, 08 May 2024 15:08:04 +0000

After expressing dissatisfaction with the rectruitment procedure led by the European Commission, the food safety Authority board decided to reappoint Bernhard Url, director since 2014, to allow the process for the selection to restart and be completed next year.

French beet growers test pest-repelling fragrance as alternative to bee-toxic pesticides

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 08 May 2024 09:50:47 +0000

France is testing a pest-repelling fragrance as an alternative to EU-banned neonicotinoids, insecticides harmful to bees and other pollinators, as growers grapple with a lack of alternatives to chemical pesticides.

Commission to consider tools to speed up recovery of misspent agricultural funds

Angelo Di Mambro — Wed, 08 May 2024 09:41:20 +0000

The Commission will assess if there is a need to incentivise EU countries to shorten the time for the reclamation of irregular payments, a spokesperson said after the European Court of Auditors (ECA) highlighted the lengthy process to return improper disbursements to the EU budget.

The World Bank’s suggestions for EU agrifood sustainability

Evi Kiorri — Wed, 08 May 2024 04:00:31 +0000

While middle-income countries are leading contributors to global emissions from the agrifood system, the wealthy economies should lead increasing investments and shifting to sustainable diets, a recent report from the World Bank highlights.

World Bank calls for sharp increase in investment to halve agrifood emissions

Maria Simon Arboleas — Tue, 07 May 2024 05:00:22 +0000

Money invested in cutting agrifood emissions should increase 18-fold and reach around €240 billion per year if we want to halve emissions and put the world on track for net zero emissions by 2050, according to a World Bank study published on Tuesday (7 April).

France to present a pesticide reduction plan closer to EU standards

Hugo Struna — Fri, 03 May 2024 15:13:01 +0000

On Monday (6 May) France will present a new pesticide reduction plan, expected to align to the EU standard the way the country measures the chemicals' impact and risk, amidst NGOs protests for "a European race to the bottom".

EU struggles to secure another New Zealand-style trade deal

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 03 May 2024 11:44:02 +0000

The EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) officially entered into force on 1 May. The pact has put an end to a four-year trade drought, since Vietnam's agreement in 2020, and the European Commission considers it a blueprint for future FTAs.

European Commission extends state aid emergency rules for farmers

Maria Simon Arboleas — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:35:52 +0000

The EU executive announced on Thursday a six-month extension of the extraordinary framework allowing member states to grant support to farms and fishermen, set to expire in June, due to "persisting" market disruptions.

EU countries call for derogations on rules on small by-catches in Baltic Sea

Hugo Struna — Thu, 02 May 2024 08:34:03 +0000

The Member States have defended the position of Latvia and Lithuania, who criticise the new fisheries control regulation for being too strict on the recording of small by-catches, while the Commission is refusing to amend the text.

Commission mulls weakening peatland protection requirement for farmers

Maria Simon Arboleas, Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:25:11 +0000

A group of EU countries is calling to relax rules on mandatory practices to protect peatlands and wetlands under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) only days after the European Parliament rubber-stamped an overhaul of six other environmental conditions.

The Brief – Europe’s diplomatic crisis over bottom fishing

Hugo Struna — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:17:39 +0000

European fisheries are at the heart of a diplomatic crisis brewing between the EU and the UK, their first trade spat since the UK left the European Union in February 2020.

European Commission ‘prepared’ in the face of US bird flu outbreak

Catherine Feore — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 08:33:54 +0000

The spread of H5NI, otherwise known as bird flu, in cattle and mammals in the United States, has raised concerns among European stakeholders, but the European Union says they are well prepared.

Austria’s farming, economy ministers urge von der Leyen to delay EU anti-deforestation law

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:34:05 +0000

Austria's agriculture and economy ministers have urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to postpone the implementation of the new EU anti-deforestation regulation (EUDR), scheduled for January 2025, according to a letter seen by Euractiv.

Farmers take centre stage in parties’ EU election campaigns

Evi Kiorri — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 04:00:31 +0000

After being neglected for years in the public debate, agriculture has become a hot topic at the EU level in recent years.

Ending the ‘Cage Age’ in Europe, feathers to fly in court battle [Advocacy Lab Content]

Fiona Alston — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 21:56:11 +0000

Europe’s citizens called for an end to the ‘cage age’ with the phasing-out of cages and crates for farm animals. The European Commission agreed but now says more consultation with farmers is needed. The ECJ will calm the coop.

EU rules on deforestation and carbon tax pave way for new “mirror clauses”

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:22:10 +0000

New European legislation on a border carbon tax and a ban on imports linked to deforestation pave the way for progress in international negotiations on "mirror clauses" in agricultural trade with non-EU countries.

Polish farmers lift blockades at all Ukraine crossings

Euractiv with AFP — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:55:32 +0000

Warsaw, April 29, 2024 (AFP) - Polish farmers have lifted blockades at border crossings with Ukraine, officials said Monday, ending a two-month protest over farm imports from the war-torn neighbouring country.

Farmers had blocked border crossings with Ukraine since February to protest at what they said was unfair competition from goods that undercut local market prices.

Disputes over farm imports have strained ties between the neighbours, even as Poland has shown staunch support for Ukraine over Russia's invasion.

"The traffic through all the border crossings (with Ukraine) is possible," Michal Derus, a spokesman for the tax administration chamber in Poland's Lublin region told AFP after farmers ended the last blockade at the Hrebenne border crossing.

The crossing reopened after local authorities in Hrebenne declined to extend permission for protests at the checkpoint.

"All trucks are allowed to pass as long as they are not carrying sanctioned goods," Derus added, referring to the grain imports from Ukraine that Poland imposed a temporary embargo on.

Ukraine has seen its agriculture sector crippled by Russia's 2022 invasion. Many of its major export routes through the Black Sea have been blocked and much farmland left unusable by warfare.

In a bid to help Kyiv economically, the European Union in 2022 scrapped tariffs on Ukrainian goods transiting the 27-nation bloc by road.

But many Ukrainian cereal exports destined for non-EU countries have accumulated in Poland and elsewhere, undercutting local producers.

Paris leads coalition of EU states to demand actions against UK ban on bottom fishing

Hugo Struna — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 09:47:59 +0000

According to French government sources, nine EU countries will meet in Brussels at the start of the week to discuss the impact of the UK's decision to ban bottom fishing in 13 marine protected areas, a measure London says applies equally to its own fishermen and those from the EU.

Previous government ‘wasted’ recovery plan, says Portuguese agriculture minister

Sara Madeira — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:50:13 +0000

The previous government of Portugal “wasted the opportunity” to use all the funds available to the country under the recovery plan, Portuguese Agriculture Minister José Manuel Fernandes said on Sunday, warning against what he called ‘green radicalism’ against farmers.

CAP simplification will get more and more complicated

Angelo Di Mambro — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:33:19 +0000

Last week the European Parliament gave its final nod to a package meant to make the Common Agricultural Policy rules easier to apply for farmers and national administrations. But it is not the end of the CAP ‘simplification’ debate. It is just the beginning.

EU agriculture ministers push for raising ‘de minimis’ state aid for farmers

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 11:31:40 +0000

A coalition of 15 EU countries is set to demand an increase of “de minimis” state aid for the agricultural sector, according to a note circulated among member states that will be discussed in a ministerial meeting on Monday (29 April).

Cocoa growers face production shortage as EU anti-deforestation rules loom

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:57:37 +0000

As cocoa prices surge to record highs and Central and West African growers grapple with the impact of climate change, the cocoa sector is rushing to adapt its production to the EU anti-deforestation regulation (EUDR), which will take effect from January 2025.

Parliament endorses EU emergency team to combat the entry of crop-damaging pests

Hugo Struna — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:43:56 +0000

On Wednesday (24 April), the European Parliament voted in favour of an amendment to the Plant Health Regulation, providing for the establishment of a European emergency team to prevent and contain the arrival of crop-damaging pests.

Generational renewal, the EU’s unfinished business

Angelo Di Mambro, Maria Simon Arboleas — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:26:34 +0000

With farmers under the age of 40 accounting for only 11.9% of farm managers in the EU in 2020, the need to ensure generational renewal is becoming a key issue in the agricultural sector.

Next-generation farming, sowing the seeds of data-driven agritech success [Advocacy Lab Content]

iant — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 17:12:01 +0000

From seeds to satellites, agriculture has come a very long way. Today's farms increasingly deploy drone technology, 5G mobility, and soil monitoring solutions from the deep tech sector.

Next generation farming powered with AI product innovation [Advocacy Lab Content]

Fiona Alston — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:59:13 +0000

Europe’s agri sector is under pressure. Farmers are taking heat for the climate crisis, trying to keep their heads above flood water, deal with extreme weather events, and keep pace with changes in consumer demand. AI may help.

Parliament gives final nod to loosen green requirements for farmers

Maria Simon Arboleas — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:56:48 +0000

The European Parliament gave its final green light on Wednesday (24 April) to changes to some environmental conditions for receiving payments under the bloc's subsidy scheme, which are expected to come into force by June, after member states’ approval.

Parliament wants to ease seed marketing rules for conservation efforts

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:55:01 +0000

The European Parliament adopted its position on Wednesday (24 April) on the overhaul of EU marketing legislation on seeds and other types of plant reproductive material (PRM), proposing to free seed exchanges between farmers and for conservation purposes of new bureaucratic requirements.

Beet growers urge France to authorise pesticide already used in other European countries

Hugo Struna — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:19:05 +0000

While France remains the last European country to have banned all neonicotinoids, the beet industry is urging France to authorise acetamiprid in order to put an end to the distortion of competition. The government could base its decision on a forthcoming EFSA opinion.

Parliament backs temporary trade benefits for Ukraine paving the way to talks for long-term agreement

Angelo Di Mambro — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:44:57 +0000

On Tuesday 23 April, the plenary gave its final approval to extend the liberalisation of imports from Kyiv, including measures to protect EU agriculture and the pledge of the Commission to start talks soon with Kyiv for a permanent solution.

Parliament pushes through changes to rules on grassland despite left-wing opposition

Maria Simon Arboleas — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:56:58 +0000

A group of left-wing MEPs on Tuesday (23 April) failed to block the Commission’s proposal to relax farmers’ obligation to preserve grassland areas, which they claimed would pose environmental risks.

EU Agri-Food Value Chain Calls on Lawmakers to Ensure a Low Carbon Food Future [Promoted content]

Maria Polynaki — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:00:32 +0000

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.

Ukrainian agriculture minister suspected in corruption scandal

Angelo Di Mambro — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:59:17 +0000

Ukraine's anti-corruption agency on Tuesday accused the country's agriculture minister of illegally appropriating state land worth more than $7 million between 2017 and 2021.

German conservatives push for national ban on Russian agricultural imports

Kjeld Neubert — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:49:24 +0000

The conservative CDU/CSU group in the German Bundestag is pushing for a complete ban on all agriculture and food imports from Russia and Belarus as a way of weakening Russia’s war effort.

Left-wing groups to push for keeping green rules for farmers

Maria Simon Arboleas — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:42:28 +0000

MEPs from left-wing groups in the European Parliament will try to make changes to the Commission’s proposal to relax some environmental requirements in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), to be voted on Wednesday (24 April).

EU elections: What’s in for European farmers?

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:19:08 +0000

After an unprecedented wave of protests and demonstrations across the EU, and with June's European Parliament elections approaching, EU politicians of all colours are seizing upon the agricultural sector's discontent for electoral gains.

Commission wants to ease rules on use of processed manure for farming

Angelo Di Mambro, Maria Simon Arboleas — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:59:25 +0000

The EU executive published a proposal on Friday (19 April) to revise the Nitrates Directive to make it easier to use fertilisers made from livestock manure.

Commission changes view on controversial insecticide, set to propose zero residues in food

Angelo Di Mambro — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:13:37 +0000

In the next meeting on pesticides between the Commission and member states, on Monday and Tuesday, the bloc’s executive will table a regulation to slash to zero the insecticide thiacloprid residues in all food products, after having proposed to raise the limit of the maximum quantity of residues in imported food.

Potato sector sounds alarm over new seed marketing rules ahead of Parliament vote

Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:16:11 +0000

A Parliament proposal to ease new EU rules on seed marketing has sparked concern in the European potato sector, as stakeholders warn that the draft legislation could increase the transmission risks of crop diseases.

Slovak government scrambles for arguments amid EU farm subsidy delay

Marián Koreň, Natália Silenská — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:09:35 +0000

Slovak Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč is keeping quiet about his meeting with European Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski over the delayed release of EU farm subsidies, known as direct payments, which the Slovak government has still not paid to all eligible Slovak farmers, putting them at risk of not receiving them.

Stopping banned pesticides in the EU to be exported to 3rd countries would have little economic impact, NGOs report says

Hugo Struna — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:39:08 +0000

A report published on Thursday (18 April) by several European NGOs shows that stopping the export of banned pesticides to Europe would have minimal economic effects, and calls on the EU to put a stop to it.

More actions needed to make organic farming competitive, say stakeholders

Maria Simon Arboleas — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:37:00 +0000

Amid fears that the EU will miss its target of 25% organic agriculture by 2030, stakeholders are calling for a more favourable policy framework to boost demand for organic products.