A delegation from the EP Fisheries Committee will visit ports and factories in Ecuador and meet with industry representatives and national authorities from February 22-24. Seven MEPs led by committee chair Pierre Karleskind (Renew, France) will travel to Ecuador to examine its fisheries sector and international commitments to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which […]
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Organic farming in the EU: a decade of growth
The share of EU agricultural land under organic farming increased by more than 50% over the period 2012-2020, with an annual increase of 5.7%. In 2020, 9.1% of the EU’s agricultural area was farmed organically. On average, though with substantial variation across Member States, organic farms are bigger than conventional farms and run by younger […]
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CORDIS: A pan-European network to boost agroecology
Agroecology projects are taking root across Europe. The EU-funded AE4EU project aims to spread best practices through improved networking and infrastructure. There is an increasing need to make agricultural practices consider not only production quotas, but also every living and non-living component of the farmland ecosystem. Alternatives such as organic farming may be a step […]
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Commission helps resume trade in European pork and poultry to the Republic of Korea
As a result of intense high-level engagement between the European Commission and the Republic of Korea, EU countries can, as of today, export pork and poultry to the Republic of Korea more easily. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea (MAFRA) has decided to remove a longstanding trade barrier […]
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The Commission includes Acehúche Cheese of Spain in the PDO
Brussels, 4 July 2022 The Commission has approved the inclusion of Acehúche cheese from Spain in the register of protected designations of origin (PDO). ‘Queso de Acehúche’ is a cheese made exclusively from raw goat milk and produced in the centre-west of the province of Cáceres. The long tradition of goat farming in the region, combined […]
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A new European strategy for healthier and more sustainable foods
Binding targets need to be set to reduce pesticide use Animal welfare standards need revision More land for organic farming Farmers and ranchers must be fairly compensated for sustainable food production The EP presented its plans to produce healthier food, ensure food security and a fair income for farmers and livestock farmers and reduce the […]
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Building the future of rural areas together
A vibrant tapestry of life and landscapes, Europe’s rural areas provide us with our food, homes, jobs, and essential ecosystems services. To ensure that rural areas can continue to play these essential roles, a European Commission communication sets out a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas up to 2040. It identifies areas of action […]
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Long-term vision for rural areas: stronger, connected, resilient, and prosperous
The European Commission has today put forward a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas, identifying the challenges and concerns that they are facing, as well as highlighting some of the most promising opportunities that are available to these regions. Based on foresight and wide consultations with citizens and other actors in rural areas, today’s Vision […]
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New rules on food transparency and sustainability
New rules on transparency and sustainability will transform the way the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) carries out its role as a risk assessor in the EU food safety system. A new regulation adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, which will apply from 27 March, will strengthen the Authority’s ability to […]
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