The European Commission last July 15 published the first comprehensive evaluation of the Nitrates Directive since its adoption in 1991. Covering more than 30 years of implementation, the evaluation shows that EU rules remain effective to protect Europe’s waters from agricultural nitrate pollution. It also identifies opportunities to simplify its implementation, reduce administrative burden and improve outcomes for both farmers and the environment. This is accompanied […]
The Commission adopts simpler rules for the EU’s agri-food promotion policy
The European Commission has adopted simpler rules for the EU’s agri-food promotion policy, reducing the administrative and financial requirements for beneficiaries and Member States. These changes will make it easier to implement the programmes and will benefit organisations applying for EU funding. Drawing on 10 years’ experience in managing these programmes, the amendment streamlines administrative […]
The Commission has presented a plan to ensure the supply of fertilisers and food security in Europe.
On Tuesday 19 May, the European Commission adopted the Fertiliser Action Plan: an initiative to support farmers facing rising costs and fertiliser shortages, boost domestic production and reduce Europe’s dependence on imports. The Plan will contribute directly to ensuring food security and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy, whilst pursuing ambitious climate and environmental goals. Recent supply […]
Promoting sustainable agriculture: new guidelines for the CAP 2028–2034
The European Commission has published a new report setting outbest practices for the design of agri-environment-climate (AEC) measuresunder the post-2027 CAP. The purpose of this report is to assist Member States in preparing their future CAP plans by providing concrete recommendations, practical steps and examples on how to design measures that are effective, feasible and […]
The EU’s crisis reserve is assisting Cyprus in its response to foot-and-mouth disease
Whilst Cyprus continues to grapple with the aftermath of February’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, the European Commission has mobilised its strategic reserve of emergency supplies,rescEU, to support the ongoing response. The mobilisation follows a request for assistance from the Cypriot authorities via theEU Civil Protection Mechanism. It includes disinfectants, personal protective equipment, disposable coveralls, face masks, […]
Commission welcomes political agreement on strengthening farmers’ position
The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached yesterday between the European Parliament and the Council on the proposal for specific amendments to the legislation governing thecommon organisation of the markets in agricultural products (CMO)and other related provisions of the EU’s agricultural policy. These changes will strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply […]
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, visits Andalusia following the floods.
The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, is visiting Seville today and the areas affected by flooding near Jerez de la Frontera. The Commissioner will begin his visit in Seville, where he will meet with the President of the Andalusian Regional Government, Juanma Moreno, at the Palacio de San Telmo. He will then […]
The EU reduces farmers’ dependence on imported fertilisers
On 9 February, new EU rules on RENURE were formally adopted, which will reduce costs for farmers, thereby increasing the strategic autonomy of the EU agricultural sector by reducing its dependence on imported fertilisers. RENURE (Nitrogen recovered from manure) refers to fertiliser products derived from processed livestock manure, in which nutrients are recovered and transformed […]
Commission proposes safeguards to strengthen protections for EU farmers in EU-Mercosur deal
The Commission last September 8 proposed a Regulation to strengthen protections for EU farmers in the context of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA). The proposed safeguards deliver on the guarantees provided to EU farmers under the EMPA legal proposal, sent to EU Member States by the Commission on 3 September. In practice, they provide an additional […]