Innovation in agriculture

Cultivated meat companies gear up for first EU approval applications

Amid burgeoning interest in plant-based diets, European cultivated meat companies are preparing to take their first steps towards gaining EU approval. But some warn the technology could do more harm than good.

MEPs demand EU funding for research into gene editing surveillance

A cross-party coalition of MEPs have co-signed a letter to the European Commission demanding EU-funded research into the potential risks and analytical detection of genetically engineered organisms, warning of dire consequences for the sector if no action is taken.

EU green lights new rules to speed up approval, authorisation of biopesticides

Member states have approved new rules to accelerate the approval and authorisation of biological plant protection products containing microorganisms to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

UK positions itself as frontrunner in gene editing research

In the hopes of becoming a frontrunner in biotechnology following Brexit, the UK has announced new legislation cutting what it deems as “unnecessary” red tape to encourage gene-editing research.

Timmermans: Gene editing ‘clear part’ of sustainability action in agrifood

European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans added his voice to the growing list of those in the EU executive advocating for gene editing, a move condemned by campaigners who accuse the Commission of already making their mind up on the technology.

Research centres act as ‘matchmakers’ to modernise Spanish agriculture

From matching farms with tech start-ups to pairing vegetable producers with school canteens and families, new EU research programmes are playing matchmaker to spur innovation and reinforce agriculture modernisation in Spain. EFE Agro reports. 

Reinforced Horizon budget for 2022 is good news for agrifood

The European Parliament approved the 2022 budget, giving the EU's research programme a €100 million boost, much to the relief of agricultural stakeholders, who previously warned of the impact a cut in funding would have for the sector’s sustainability goals.

Expert: Carbon farming ideal to boost Poland’s yields

Carbon farming practices could help Polish farmers cope with permanent drought as they could increase the productivity of their yields, an expert has told EURACTIV Poland.

Spain views carbon farming as a climate solution

Spain seeks to maintain carbon in soils destined for agriculture in its strategy against climate change with the support of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). However, producers demand more funds to compensate for their efforts.

French farmers endorse carbon farming but highlight transition costs

With its low carbon strategy, the French government aims to green agriculture through the development of carbon sequestration in soils. French farmers salute the strategy but call for stronger aids for the transition to be financially sustainable.

Berlin says carbon farming ‘high priority’ as farmers call for further action

While carbon farming is a priority for the German government, farmers say they are not doing enough to support measures financially. Environmentalists add that some of the promoted practices have limited climate value.

British farmers call for government support to reach ‘net-zero’ agriculture

British farmers have set an ambitious strategy to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture by 2040. But for all farmers to be able to contribute, the government should step in and provide the necessary means, the National Farmers' Union of England and Wales (NFU) told EURACTIV.

Farmers see chances in carbon farming but must be market-led

Agriculture stakeholders see a shift towards carbon farming in the European Union positively but emphasise that details over financial incentives for EU farmers must be determined for its proper rollout.

Industry, NGOs clash over role of genetics in agricultural transition

While the French seed industry, the government, and the European Commission agree on the need to develop crop varieties further, NGOs have warned of risks linked with deregulating new genomic techniques.

Ripple effects: How EU decisions impact African farmers

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In this Special Report, EURACTIV takes a closer look at how decisions taken in the EU may spill over into Africa and, more specifically, how this could impact small-scale African farmers.

Macron presents France’s 2030 objectives, backed by €30 billion

French President Emmanuel Macron presented a massive investment plan, “France 2030”, on Tuesday (12 October). Backed by €30 billion, the plan will support innovation in flagship projects such as small-scale nuclear reactors and the first low-carbon aircraft.

Upcoming election could shake up Germany’s stance on gene editing, CAP funding

As the campaign for Germany's 26 September federal elections approaches crunch time, EURACTIV Germany took a look at what the elections could mean for key agricultural policy issues - from scrapping farmers’ direct payments to the use of new genomic techniques.

Commission, NGOs brace for gene-editing battle

New genomic techniques (NGTs) have received the backing of the European Commission in a strategy paper, while NGOs promise an intense campaign against them over the coming years.

First gene edited ‘cancer-cutting’ wheat trials get the go ahead in UK

The UK government has granted permission for a series of field trials of gene edited wheat for the first time in Europe, marking a move away from the EU’s stance on the matter.

Experts: Deadly floods made worse by misguided farming practices

German environmental organisations are calling for flood protection measures to be improved and for a change to the way agricultural soils are used weeks after catastrophic flash floods deluged the country and left more than 200 dead across Western Europe. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Green MEP: EU’s gene editing framework stifles innovation

The EU’s regulatory framework on gene editing is insufficient and risks pushing out research and innovation from the EU, according to a Green MEP, diverging from her party’s strong stance on the matter.

Data-driven actions as the key to deliver sustainability in the EU dairy sector?

The current EU agri-food model is going through radical change. The need to feed a growing population sustainably and protect biodiversity is putting demands on the industry like never before.

Animal Health and Welfare: What role for Animal Nutrition?

Animal health and welfare are key dimensions of the Farm to Fork strategy (F2F), the European Commission’s pivotal agri-food policy at the heart of the EU Green Deal.

One year on, are MEPs ready to boost biodiversity and farm to fork strategies?

In the next few weeks, EU lawmakers have a chance to show their strong support for nature and sustainable agriculture, argue Sabien Leemans and Jabier Ruiz. But will they?