In 2022, the value of trade (imports plus exports) of agricultural products between the EU and the rest of the world reached €424.7 billion, €77.5 billion more than in 2021 (€347.2 billion). The EU exported €229.1 billion worth of agricultural products and imported €195.6 billion, generating a surplus of €33.5 billion. Between 2002 and 2022, EU trade in agricultural products […]
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EU must do more to reduce impact of chemical pesticides
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 […]
Read MoreThe European Union made public four ambitious proposals for the next Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
The European Union made public four ambitious proposals for the next Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) session taking place from 8 to 12 May 2023. The objective is to improve the conservation of tuna and the management of fisheries. According to the IOTC Scientific Committee, the current situation of the stock and level of fishing […]
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European Commission launches “Save the bees and farmers!” initiative
The Commission is responding to the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment”. The Commission welcomes the initiative and acknowledges the importance of the ECI, in particular as the interlinked crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss constitute growing challenges for Europe’s agriculture and food […]
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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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