Innovation in agriculture

Genetically modified soybean gains EU Commission approval

The European Commission authorised a genetically modified soybean for food and feed, but not cultivation, on Monday (28 September), paving the way for a full launch of the variety in the US and Canada in 2021.

Every drop counts: Exploring innovative solutions for Europe’s drought problem

A third consecutive year of drought shows that water scarcity is an increasingly frequent and widespread phenomenon in the EU, and one which holds enormous implications for the agricultural sector. EURACTIV spoke with Netafim, a specialist irrigation company, about the innovative solutions on offer to cope with this. 

First detection test developed for gene-edited crop, campaign groups claim

The first open-source detection method for a gene-edited crop has been developed, according to a scientific paper. Environmental NGOs and campaign groups said this could hypothetically allow the EU to carry out checks to prevent unauthorised imports, but the EU seed sector quickly refuted this claim.

Seed sector organisations call for review of regulation on plant variety rights

Key players in the European seed sector have joined forces to urge the EU Commission to improve the bloc's intellectual property laws and mechanisms and enable an effective plant breeding sector. But there are fears that this may negatively impact small and medium-sized farmers.

US farm boss warns EU agrifood trade could be ‘perdue’ after Farm to Fork

US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has voiced concerns that the EU Green Deal could undermine trade and affect the “viability of EU farmers”, a claim that has been refuted by his EU counterpart.

UK gene editing amendment withdrawn, but government commits to consultation

An amendment tabled in the new UK agriculture bill, designed to allow access to new gene-editing technology, has been withdrawn but the government has pledged to conduct a public consultation on the issue, amid indications that it could eventually be in favour.

France’s Languedoc winegrowers are already adapting to climate change

Over the past 30 years, the harvest of France's Languedoc wines has progressed by three weeks and the alcohol content of the wine has risen by four points. Faced with the already sensitive impact of climate change, the region's winegrowers are adapting their practices and grape varieties. EURACTIV France reports.

EIB official: €200 billion needed to build broadband infrastructure in EU rural areas

In order for citizens in Europe’s rural areas to have broadband access to at least 100 megabits per second, approximately €200 billion will be needed, according to Harald Gruber from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

No-till farming: traditional ideas with new technologies to tackle current challenges

With soil health high on the EU policy agenda, EURACTIV spoke with US-based farmer Trey Hill, whose innovative approach to farming explores the potential of no-till agriculture, a practice that can contribute to the EU’s sustainability goals although some dismiss it as "technologically backward".

Young farmers need a toolbox ‘as broad as possible’ to achieve Farm to Fork goals

Ensuring that food producers will be provided with the appropriate alternatives is the best way to make progress in meeting the specific objectives set up in the new Farm to Fork strategy (F2F), according to young European farmers interviewed by EURACTIV.

MEP: Precision farming should be part of member states’ recovery plans

Precision farming practices, including digital farming, are the best way to deliver the EU's strategic goals of being green, smart and safe and should be part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plans of all member states, according to MEP Petros Kokkalis.

EU still reflects over agri-innovation as UK mulls moves forward

While the EU considers the potential role of new innovative techniques to protect harvests from pests and diseases, on the other side of the Channel, the UK is getting ready to open the door to new gene-editing technologies post-Brexit.

Kyriakides: Investments will match EU’s ambition on sustainable food systems

The EU's determination to become a global leader in sustainability will be matched by investments in solutions to deliver on the commitments set out in the EU's new food policy, Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told EURACTIV.com in an exclusive interview.

Green party insists no U-turn on gene-editing despite recent dissent

Following a paper in which a group of German Green MPs and one MEP unexpectedly backed the use of gene-editing technologies, EURACTIV spoke to MEP Martin Häusling, agriculture spokesman for the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament, who stressed that nothing has changed for the party, which has historically been vocally opposed to the technology.

EU farmers: Unlock potential of agricultural drones or risk falling behind

Agriculture stakeholders are calling on the European Commission to update the sustainable use of pesticides directive (SUD) and allow the use of drones for aerial spraying of pesticides.

Farm to Fork Strategy: What role of nutrients?

Looking at the future of agriculture in general, and the fertiliser industry in particular, the challenges of sustainable food production are apparent. Growing food demand will force farmers to invest in innovative tools to increase production, ensuring maximum efficiency from...

UK Environment secretary offers support for gene editing, diverges from EU stance

In an environmental audit meeting on Thursday (18 June), UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice offered his support for gene editing after Brexit, saying that the UK government disagrees with the EU stance on...

German Green faction pushes for gene editing, overhaul of regulation

In an unprecedented move, a group of German Green MPs, including one Green EU lawmaker, have backed the use of gene editing technologies in a new paper, diverging from the party's general position and saying genetic engineering could play a key role in improving sustainability.

UK farmers group backs call for allowing access to gene editing technology

The UK National Farmers Union (NFU) has backed calls made by a cross-party group for the new Agriculture Bill to allow British farmers to access to gene-editing technology post-Brexit. 

COVID-19 crisis could ‘kick off digital revolution in agriculture’

Digital farming is set to boom in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, given its capacity to help the EU farming sector improve its sustainability and recover from the outbreak's impact. But there are also considerable concerns raised about the pace of this change and whether farmers are adequately prepared for it.

Commission upholds highly ambitious targets to transform EU food system

After several delays, the EU's new flagship food policy was finally released on Wednesday (20 May), confirming the aspiration of the EU executive to transform the European way of producing, distributing and consuming food.

Insect-based feedstuffs hold ‘enormous potential’ for EU sustainability goals

With the presentation of the long-awaited Farm to Fork strategy due in the coming days, EURACTIV took a look at the potential that insects hold for contributing to the goals of the strategy and creating a more self-reliant, sustainable food system in the EU.