Agrifood
Commission reassures member states about meat market crisis risks
Some EU ministers raised concerns about external market disturbances in the meat sector coming from Ukraine and Brexit during a meeting on Monday (18 March) but Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan pledged to fight fire with fire.
Organic farming improved but still flaws with traceability, EU auditors find
Despite improvements in the control of organic farming, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) said more work is needed to prevent food fraud and ensure that organic standards are met, as traceability is causing continued issues for foodstuffs bearing the bio label.
Battle over unfair trade practices ends, its champion rejoices
On Tuesday (12 March), the European Parliament approved long-awaited legislation on unfair trade practices (UTPs). EURACTIV.com spoke with the lawmaker who shepherded the new rules over the line.
No water, no agriculture
The state of Europe’s water ecosystems puts a big question mark over the future availability of freshwater, for people and for all manner of industry, not least for food production and agriculture, writes Jabier Ruiz.OpinionPromoted content
The importance of dietary fibre in the daily diet
Nowadays, fibre intake in most European countries is below the recommended levels, with average intakes as low as 12.7 and 13.6g per day in Spain and UK, respectively.
Women are innovative entrepreneurs in farming, but barriers persist
Preserving women added value in farming requires several types of support, and not only economic, as obstacles to gender equality persist in the sector, farmers said at an event held at the European Parliament on Thursday (7 March).
Hogan: No risk of re-nationalising the next CAP
Although member states will play a greater role in the future EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), it will not lose its 'Common' dimension as the Commission will continue to watch over the implementation of national plans, Commissioner Phil Hogan told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Women rural entrepreneurs deserve greater attention to keep European rural area vibrant
Now more than ever, rural women and especially women farmers have a key role to play in the development and preservation of vibrant rural areas.
EU court prioritises transparency over ‘secrecy’ in landmark glyphosate ruling
An EU court ruled on 7 March that the EU Food Safety Authority (EFSA) should publicise studies about Monsanto’s glyphosate, the world’s most commonly used weedkiller, which has sparked intense controversy in Europe.
Commission dismisses criticism of EU sugar policy made in a post-Brexit study
A UK study setting recommendations for the country's post-Brexit trade and agriculture has challenged the EU's sugar policy of the last decade, saying it stimulated sugar over-production. The Commission stood up for its 2016-2017 sugar quota system and dismissed the claim as unfounded.
Hogan urges EU member states to include rural women in their CAP strategies
EU Commissioner for agriculture Phil Hogan has encouraged member states to take advantage of the new Common Agricultural Policy’s (CAP) flexibility and tackle issues related to rural women.
Poor access to credit prevents women from entering European farming
The access to credit and financing is one of the most important obstacles women farmers are facing in order to take the risky leap to join Europe’s agricultural sector.
Croatian MEP: Women farmers should be ‘key element’ of the new CAP
Empowering women in rural areas will contribute to boost entrepreneurship, self-employment and innovation in European agriculture, argues Marjiana Petir, a Croatian MEP from the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP).
How to secure agri-food supply chains post-Brexit and at what price?
Food chain organisation, processing and marketing of agricultural products, animal welfare and risk management represent 10.4% of rural development public expenditure in the EU.
German action plan for insect protection: Farmers want greater say
With insects declining at an alarming rate, the German environment ministry wants an action plan to protect them before the end of the year. But farmers are feeling ignored in the process and are calling for more environmental protection incentives. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Spaniards seek alternative markets to mitigate impact of no-deal Brexit
The Spanish agri-food sector is extremely concerned about the negative impact of a no-deal Brexit. In an effort to mitigate the financial impact, the sector is already taking measures to curb the “Brexit effect”. EURACTIV’s partner EFE AGRO reports.
Brexit impact reaches Sicilian shores
Brexit is bad news for British fans of Sicilian wine and good pasta. Sicilia Agricoltura reports. The past three years of current affairs have been marked by the many questions concerning Brexit: from the conditions of the withdrawal treaty to...
‘EU’s best asset’ needs to be safeguarded, not only improved
While celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Single Market last year, the Commission called it 'Europe’s best asset in a changing world'. But Single Market’s resilience to internal and external shocks still needs to be strengthened further.
Developing Single Market resilience
Policymakers and relevant stakeholders want a further deepening of the Single Market, but they also value keeping 'the EU's main asset' safe from internal and external shocks. Celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, EU lawmakers called for a move away from simple rhetoric towards real delivery and completion of the market.
How the CAP ‘saved’ two women farmers from southern Italy
EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds have helped a family in southern Italy revive and even innovate their business. EURACTIV’s partner Sicilia Agricoltura reports.
EU Commission to crack down on recalcitrant member states over neonicotinoids
The European Commission will trigger a never-before-used option against two member states over the abuse of so-called "emergency authorisations" for neonicotinoids, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis said in a letter sent to NGOs dated 19 February and seen by EURACTIV.
British farmers fear US pressure on GMOs after Brexit
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the UK government should not rush to strike a trade deal with countries such as the United States, an official from the UK National Farmers Union told EURACTIV.com in London.OpinionPromoted content
‘Wine in Moderation’ – a unique international movement
Wine in Moderation celebrates 10 years of social responsibility in the wine sector and looks forwards to the future while it strives to continuously evolve, meeting today’s world challenges for a balanced lifestyle.