Agrifood
US-UK imports of meat raised with antibiotics risk undermining EU farmers
Trade of meat from animals raised with antibiotics between the United Kingdon and the United States threatens the progress recently made on antibiotic resistance and risks adversely affecting both British and EU meat producers, warns a new report published on Tuesday (1 December).
Commission and MEPs look for a fresh start after CAP tension
The European Parliament and the Commission are trying to restore mutual trust after the recent quarrels about the reform of the EU's massive farming subsidies programme, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
EU Commission pesticide approval procedure under fire from EU watchdog
The current procedure for the approval of active substances in pesticides “raise concerns” according to the EU Ombudsman, who outline several recommendations for measures to improve the approval process and increase its transparency.
New EU food agency tool reopens date marking rift
The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) has stepped into the long-standing issue of date marking on food by presenting a new tool to help business operators decide when to apply the ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ date to their products.
Study: Micropollutants have ‘significant potential impact’ on water ecosystems, human health
A study carried out by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRAE) into micropollutants at the exit of wastewater treatment plants has concluded, once again, that despite a lack of comprehensive data, their impact on the environment remains undeniable. EURACTIV France reports.
Digitalisation in agriculture: Mission impossible?
The German Agriculture Ministry and the European Agricultural Research Initiative examined what politics and research can do to effectively tackle the problem of digitisation in agriculture at an online conference on Wednesday (2 December). EURACTIV Germany reports.
Wholesome whole grains: how to encourage uptake in the EU
This year has served as a stark reminder of the need for a resilient, sustainable, and healthy food system. As many consumers turn to healthier food options in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers continue to tackle the eternal...
Wholegrains slash risk of death by up to 24%, says UN food branch
Regular consumption of whole-grains significantly reduces the risk of death, a recent paper by the food branch of the United Nations found, with stakeholders now calling for more action to promote whole-grains as part of a healthy diet.
EU-Mercosur agreement could cause international trade uncertainty
The EU's trend of negotiating preferential or free trade agreements with different regions and countries of the world has experienced successes and failures. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.
New fraud investigation casts doubt over used cooking oil origins
A fresh biofuels fraud investigation in the Netherlands has once again shone a spotlight on the origin of imported used cooking oil (UCO) in the EU.
EU agriculture and Mercosur: what is the state of play?
The entry into force of the Mercosur deal – set to forge a trade area between the EU27 and Mercosur countries, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – remains a controversial topic amongst agrifood stakeholders. The deal was struck in 2019,...
EU-Mercosur, an agreement with different agricultural standards
The difference in production standards has been one of many causes for disagreement during the negotiations of the EU-Mercosur agreement. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.Editor's picks
Europe ‘cannot afford’ to bow out of Mercosur agreement, says academic
The crisis of multilateralism, driven by the competition between the US and China, and a lukewarm push from the current leaders of the EU and Mercosur, explains why the agreement between these two blocks is such a challenge, analysts say. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.
Mercosur agreement seduces Spain’s industry, disturbs farmers
The principle of the EU-Mercosur deal has raised mixed feelings in Spain. While the food industry highlights the newly available options for the sector, farmers are showing reluctance towards the deal. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.
Distance not determining factor of sustainability, says Commission official
Short food chains, often thought of as a 'healthier' way to get food on the table, are not necessarily synonymous with sustainability, according to a Commission official, who called for a considered approach to the trade and sustainability debate.
Member state criticism, COVID crisis delay ratification of EU-Mercosur deal
The challenging procedure of ratifying the EU-Mercosur deal is being held up due to a combination of the COVID-19 health crisis and considerable criticism from member states. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro takes a look at the current state of play.
Innovative agri project aims to create ‘digital tenants’ in Croatia
On the back of an increased interest in reconnecting consumers with local food, Croatian citizens are being offered the chance to be involved in an innovative 'agri-digital' project, known as a "Gruntek". EURACTIV Croatia took a closer look.
EU beer market sales fell 20% so far this year due to COVID-19
The EU beer market estimates that its sales have dropped by 20% so far this year, a figure which could rise to 25% by the end of the year, the secretary-general of the Brewers of Europe, told EURACTIV in an interview.
Avian flu threat hangs over Europe, warns EFSA
A highly pathogenic avian influenza is spreading rapidly in Northern Europe and reaching countries previously unaffected by the disease, the EU's food safety agency (EFSA) has found.
Can the EU Commission scrap its CAP plan?
The European Commission's threat to withdraw its legislative proposal for the post-2020 EU’s farming subsidies programme has irritated EU lawmakers. EURACTIV.com asked some legal experts to clear the air about the controversy.
2020 – The ‘perfect storm’ for Europe’s SMEs?
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Europe’s economy. They represent over 90% of all businesses in the EU. They employ around 100 million people, account for more than half of Europe’s GDP and play a key role...
The unsung superhero – whole grain
Every year, 11 million people across the globe die due to poor diet. A recent research review in the Lancet suggests that nutrition is a bigger health risk than smoking or high blood pressure. According to a recent Global Burden...
The EU’s imported deforestation problem – a closer look
Forestry policy was on the agenda for Europe's agriculture ministers on Monday, which made for a heated debate since Europeans are, through their lifestyles, contributing to massive deforestation worldwide. EURACTIV France reports.