Modern farming
Working with EU on food sustainability requires redefining US agricultural governance
The Biden administration must begin a food diplomacy revolution, starting with food system transformation at home and learning from other countries, writes Sophia Murphy.
2021: The year of the CAP
2019 is likely to be the year in which the much awaited reform of the main EU's massive farming subsidies programme, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), will see the light.
Commission at odds with Parliament over GM crop authorisations
The EU executive looks set to press ahead with a "new approach" to genetically modified (GM) crop authorisations in the wake of persistent lack of political support for the technology in the European Parliament.OpinionPromoted content
Breeding ground for pandemics – why mink farming is a danger to public health
A danger to public health – Europe’s fur farms have long been exposed as cruel, but with the recent pandemic a new factor came into play: They are the perfect breeding ground for the virus and a danger to human health.
How American agriculture can work with the EU on food sustainability
We must build more resilient, sustainable global food systems that can feed an increasingly hungry world, or there will be dire consequences, warn Kip Tom and Ronald J. Gidwitz.
UK launches consultation on gene editing, signals divergence from EU
In one of its first post-Brexit moves, the UK has launched a consultation on gene editing in a bid to unlock “substantial benefits” for the sector and the environment, but the move could put the country at odds with the EU on the matter.
Plant breeding sector split over potential of patenting to spur innovation
The European Commission adopted its intellectual property plan in November, hailed as a driver of future growth, but the plant breeding sector remains divided over the potential of intellectual property rights for spurring on much-needed agricultural innovation.
Feed additives ‘key tool’ in achieving farming sustainability goals, say stakeholders
Feed additives hold enormous potential for reducing the environmental impact of the farming sector, but are not getting the attention they deserve according to farming sector and feed industry stakeholders, who are calling for more focus on the role of feed additives in contributing to sustainability goals.
Women must be ‘at the heart of sustainability conversation’ in farming, says MEP
Women farmers must be at the forefront of the sustainable farming discussion, but they say there are still barriers in the way and a lack of support for their entry into the profession.
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.
Europe must follow Czechia in banning hen cages
Good news is in short supply these days as Europe battles Covid-19, but there is something to celebrate: breeding millions of egg-laying hens in cages will be banned in the Czech Republic, from 2027, writes Michaela Šojdrová.
No wine left behind: How Germany wants to adapt to climate change
Winegrowers are facing unprecedented challenges from climate change, like hot summers or water shortages, but the warmer climate also favours certain types of cultivation. The German government's adaptation strategy is designed to help the winegrowing sector, but to what extent does it help them in practice? EURACTIV Germany reports.
French startup set to produce 20 tons of prawns ‘made in France’ by 2021
The first of its kind in Europe, two young French agricultural engineers have launched Agriloops, a saltwater aquaponics startup that aims to produce 20 tonnes of prawns and 40 tonnes of vegetables "made in France" annually. EURACTIV France reports.
Ecological farming can be more profitable than conventional, says new report
A recent report by the government think tank France Stratégie demonstrates the profitability of more environmentally friendly farms and proposes a review of the methods of allocating CAP subsidies to encourage a green transition in farming. EURACTIV France reports.
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.
Let’s talk about pork…
An EU-funded campaign has been launched in France, Spain and Portugal to ‘demystify’ the production of pork. Joanna Swabe argues that if we’re going to ‘talk about pork’, let’s talk about routine violations of animal welfare legislation and eating less of it.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Food security again under EU spotlight in the wake of COVID-19 crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has left its mark on the EU's new food policy, as the Farm to Fork strategy (F2F), presented on Wednesday (20 May), demonstrated a renewed interest in food security to ensure the supply during crises of any nature.