Pesticide use is a major cause of pollution since it contaminates the air, soil, and water, destroys biodiversity, and breeds pest resistance. Chemical pesticide exposure in humans has been related to chronic conditions like cancer, heart, respiratory, and neurological problems. The most recent research on the effects of chemical pesticides on human health and ecosystems […]
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European Parliament calls for EU food independence
The EU needs a plan to ensure food security, calls the Agriculture Committee in a new report adopted on Tuesday. In the draft resolution on “Ensuring food security and long term resilience of the EU agriculture”, adopted by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on Tuesday by 39 votes to 8 and 0 abstentions, […]
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Main results of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council: promoting a more sustainable, competitive and resilient Europe
Agriculture Opportunities of the bioeconomy Following an exchange of views, the Council approved conclusions on the opportunities provided by the bioeconomy in the light of current challenges, with a focus on rural areas. Ministers highlighted the key role that the bioeconomy could play in achieving the environmental and climate goals under the European Green Deal, […]
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The European Commission proposes the revision of the current marketing standards applicable to several agri-food products
The Commission proposed to revise the existing marketing standards applicable to a number of agri-food products, such as fruit and vegetables, fruit juices and jams, honey, poultry or eggs. The proposed revisions should help consumers make more informed choices for a healthier diet and contribute to prevent food waste. The Commission put forward the following […]
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Agroecology: 14 EU-funded projects that are helping to shape the future of agriculture
The EU has set ambitious targets for the agricultural sector. Not only do Europe’s farmers need to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality food – fruit, vegetables, nuts, cereals and animal products – and non-food products at competitive prices, they must also deliver on the environmental commitments of the EU Green Deal and farm to […]
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Commission paves the way to improve the movement of mobile machinery on public roads across the EU
On 30 March, the Commission proposed a regulation to facilitate the use of non-road mobile machinery such as cranes, harvesters, forklift trucks and snow ploughs. These rules will eventually replace the various regulatory regimes that currently exist in the Member States. As the new rules will harmonise the technical requirements for the type-approval of off-road […]
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Can we halve the use of pesticides in the EU by 2030?
Pesticides and fertilisers can be important tools in modern farming. When used correctly, fertilisers provide essential nutrients for crop growth, while pesticides can help protect those crops from harmful pests and diseases. The problem is that agriculture has become too dependent on both. Instead of being applied when and where they’re needed, it’s become standard […]
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Parliament urges the Commission to guarantee fertiliser supply and take action to lower prices
MEPs urge the Commission to secure fertiliser supplies, take measures to lower prices and increase the EU’s strategic autonomy on fertilisers. Parliament calls for a long-term EU strategy for fertilisers and another for soil nutrients by June 2023, in a resolution adopted by show of hands on Thursday. Russian gas, used in fertiliser production, contributes […]
Read MoreAgriculture Council: Ministers discuss possible actions to help ease the situation in Ukraine in the short and long term
Ministers took stock of the market situation in member states, particularly in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine. They further received information from the Commission on the latest developments on agricultural markets. While recent months have shown more stability, energy and input prices remain high, weakening profitability and leading to high consumer prices. Ministers exchanged […]
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