“European rice urgently needs innovation to develop varieties that are increasingly resistant to climate change, as well as automatic safeguard instruments capable of protecting EU production from the massive inflow of products from countries that apply inadequate environmental and social standards.”

This was the message delivered by Farm Europe and Eat Europe at an event held in the European Parliament by MEP Carlo Fidanza (ECR), attended by the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, and numerous Members of the European Parliament – including the rapporteurs of the GSP and NGT dossiers, Gabriel Mato, Daniele Polato, and Pietro Fiocchi – on the priorities of the European rice sector regarding innovation and international trade.

The events of the last five years have profoundly affected the rice market in the European Union. Producers have faced a sharp increase in costs, a consequence of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, as well as extreme weather conditions – from drought to excessive rainfall – which have reduced yields and cultivated areas. At the same time, competition from non-EU countries, especially in Asia, continues to grow: the failure to comply with labour standards and the use of plant-protection products banned in Europe allow them to export processed rice at prices that, converted to paddy rice, are more than 50% lower than European production costs.

Recent developments and the increasing number of alert notifications on the RASFF portal confirm the importance of strengthening and protecting European rice production, reducing dependence on imports and ensuring citizens have access to safe products, both in terms of availability and quality.

In this context, the need to introduce into Regulation 978/2012 on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences an automatic safeguard mechanism emerges strongly—one that is truly effective in protecting European production and avoids quantitative thresholds that would render the system ineffective. As Farm Europe and Eat Europe emphasise, automaticity is essential: the system must become a preventive crisis-management tool supporting European rice growers. The EBA regime represents an important instrument of support for developing countries, but it is necessary to verify who actually benefits from tariff concessions and under what conditions those goods are produced (child labour, use of pesticides banned in the EU). Added to this is the framework of bilateral agreements, which risk further increasing rice imports under unfair competition conditions—consider, for example, the 60,000-tonne, zero-duty quota provided for by the Mercosur agreement, which lacks adequate safeguards.

The roundtable was also an important opportunity to examine the role of innovation in the future of the sector and, in particular, the New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). The trilogue of 13 November was expected to close the chapter on sustainability, but the absence of an agreement has postponed discussions to the technical level.

As the Council and the European Parliament continue negotiations, Farm Europe and Eat Europe urge both institutions to move forward swiftly and constructively towards a final agreement.

“Further delays would undermine the EU’s ability to fully harness the most advanced innovations in plant breeding, which are essential to ensuring global food security and achieving environmental objectives,” concluded Luigi Scordamaglia, President of Eat Europe. The rice sector, in particular, represents a key area for the development and application of these innovative production technologies.

We encourage negotiators to conclude the agreement without further delay, enabling European farmers to benefit from the full potential of NGTs, rejecting unnecessary labelling requirements for NGT1 categories, and adopting a sensible approach to patents and sustainability that does not hinder research.

Today, the Council presidency and European Parliament’s negotiators reached a provisional agreement on cross-borders unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain. 

Thanks to the agreed text, cooperation among national authorities responsible for the enforcement of the EU ban on unfair trading practices will be strengthened. This ensures that cross-border unfair trading practices affecting farmers and small producers of agricultural products by large buyers — including retail chains and their alliances — are effectively prevented, investigated, and sanctioned.

Farm Europe welcomes the work of Commissioner Hansen alongside rapporteur Stefano Bonaccini as well as the Danish Presidency on this long awaited improvement of the internal market. This agreement will help improve farmers’ position in the agrifood supply chain and to enhance transnational cooperation in case suppliers and buyers are in different Member States. It will be an important milestone, to be completed through the upcoming broader revision of the Directive on UTPs. 

Concretely, the provisional agreement supports the following objectives: 

• Introduction of a mutual assistance mechanism, enabling national authorities to exchange information, collaborate on investigations, and coordinate enforcement actions. 
• Establishment of rules on cost-sharing, data protection, and confidentiality to ensure suppliers are protected from retaliation. 
• Setting up of a mechanism for coordinated action in large-scale cross-border cases involving at least three EU countries, with one member state designated to lead the response. 
• Initiation of  cooperation with non-EU buyers, aiming to better protect European farmers from unfair trading practices originating outside the EU.

The provisional agreement must now be confirmed by the Council and the European Parliament before the legislative act is formally adopted by the co-legislators.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has hinted at a few minimalist concessions she might consider during the day to the President of the European Parliament, Ms. Metsola, in an attempt to ease the criticism surrounding her proposed single fund unveiled on July 16. However, the elements of flexibility she is offering in no way respond to the clear demands expressed by the main political groups in the European Parliament. Moreover, the European Commission is not proposing at this stage any formal modification to its proposal but merely suggesting amendments for Members of the European Parliament to table themselves.

On the issue of the autonomy of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), transferring a few articles from the NRPP regulation to the CAP implementing regulation is far from solving the structural problem created by the single fund. The Common Agricultural Policy would remain dependent on discussions taking place outside its framework, and its governance would still be constrained by an ill-suited performance framework, detached from agricultural realities.

Concerning the role of the co-legislators, and of the European Parliament in particular, the new “strategic” discussion framework proposed by the Commission only adds further confusion to the overall governance of the single fund. The President of the European Commission proposes that MEPs hold annual “strategic” discussions on national envelopes that have already been allocated within the framework of the national strategic plans. Either this proposal shows contempt for the role of the European Parliament, or it represents yet another step towards even less predictability for European farmers.

Finally, regarding the financial aspect, the proposed 10% “rural target” that Member States would have to dedicate —beyond the agricultural envelope— to so-called “rural” issues, they roughly corresponds, on average across the EU, to the measures excluded from the protected scope of the initial proposal, such as cooperation measures, school fruit distribution schemes, or programs for outermost regions. For countries like Ireland or France, however, fully financing these measures excluded from the CAP by the European Commission would require not 10%, but rather around 25% and 16%, respectively. Furthermore, this suggestion does nothing to solve the budgetary equation for the core CAP measures, which continue to face a 17.6% cut, and does not provide additional investment capacity for former rural development measures.

In short, the President of the European Commission continues to shift the burden onto regions and Member States to make up for the budget cuts she plans to impose on the CAP and its measures—while maintaining an unconvincing narrative of ample financial resources within the NRPP fund, which is itself shrinking by 40%.

BACKGROUND 

The European Commission has put forward a radical proposal to overhaul the EU budget, largely inspired by the governance of the post-COVID recovery fund (RRF), which is mainly structured around national envelopes, leaving aside the Community method. Within the framework of a requested overall allocation of EUR 2 trillion, the European Commission proposes to distribute the funds among four main funds: the Regional and National Fund (incorporating the CAP, Cohesion, Frontex, Climate, Interreg, etc.); the Competitiveness Fund; the Global Europe Fund for third country actions and Ukraine; and the Fund for Administrative Expenditure.

The Commission proposes to merge traditional EU policies and their financing into a single regulation and fund. The current CAP, cohesion, ESF+, fisheries, climate & social fund, and the EU crisis fund would be merged into a single framework: the “National and Regional Partnership Plans” regulation, with a reduced overall allocation of €865 billion for the 2028–2034 period. This budget would be distributed among Member States, except for the Interreg budget (€10.5 billion), leaving an EU reserve margin of €15 billion only. €293.7 billion would be ring-fenced for the new CAP and allocated to Member States, along with an additional €6.3 billion earmarked for agricultural crises. The CAP budget would decrease sharply by 17.6% between 2021–2027 and 2028–2034.

Considering the sharp reduction in the CAP budget tabled, the Commission leaves it to Member States to top up the CAP budget by drawing on other funds from their allocated NRP Plans’ envelopes. To maintain the CAP budget in current euros alone, Denmark, Ireland, & Austria would need to dedicate more than three-quarters of their remaining NRP allocations (NRP funds after deducting CAP, Social Climate, and Border allocations). The Netherlands, France, Finland, Sweden, and Luxembourg would need to allocate around 50%, while Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Germany would have to mobilize between 18% and 35%.Yet, these NRP funds are supposed to finance, among other things, future cohesion and ESF+. The Commission’s assertions do not withstand a careful analysis.

Farm Europe welcomes the European Parliament’s letter to President Ursula von der Leyen rejecting the European Commission’s current proposal for the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP) as a basis for negotiations. The Parliament’s stance aligns with Farm Europe’s long-standing view that the European Union must maintain strong, distinct policies with clear rules and a level playing field for farmers. 

The European Parliament has made it clear that the current NRPP proposal:

• Risks re-nationalisation by allowing “à la carte” approaches that undermine EU priorities, fragment funding, and threaten cohesion;
• Fails to preserve the distinct roles of key EU policies such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Cohesion Policy, risking predictability, accountability, and proper funding allocation. These policies need proper budgetary accountability through an autonomous performance framework.
• Weakens the involvement of regions and local authorities, sidelining multilevel governance and the partnership principle;
• Reduces the European Parliament’s powers over budgetary decisions, programming flexibility, and oversight of EU funds;
• Lacks a coherent link to Rule of Law mechanisms and fundamental EU values, creating a democratic deficit in the allocation of EU resources.

Farm Europe supports the Parliament’s insistence on returning CAP provisions to a dedicated legislative framework, ensuring a level playing field for farmers and clear rules for strategic plans. We also welcome the call for distinct budgets for cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, and social policies, as well as legally binding participation of the European Parliament in steering decisions and flexibility allocations.

Farm Europe urges the Commission to reflect these demands in a revised proposal that can form the basis for constructive negotiations with the European Parliament, ultimately reinforcing Europe’s cohesion, agricultural competitiveness, and democratic accountability.

The European Wine Day 2025 brought together over 100 participants today at the headquarters of the Région Grand Est in Strasbourg. This successful event gathering winemakers, stakeholders and policymakers from across Europe, was an occasion to make an appeal for a proudly wine-producing Europe and build a common and shared vision of the policies needed to strengthen the sector. 

Strasbourg, 21st October 2025 – This new edition of the European Wine Day brought together more than 100 participants in Strasbourg — a key location chosen as the European Parliament meets in plenary session this week — to discuss the future of Europe’s wine sector at a key moment for EU agricultural policy. The event, driven by Farm Europe, La Coopération Agricole – Vignerons Coopérateurs, the AREV, and Iter Vitis, has become an essential platform for dialogue between professionals, policymakers, and civil society, aiming to build a shared vision for a competitive, sustainable, and culturally vibrant European viticulture. This event was also an occasion to launch a manifesto for a proudly wine-producing Europe. 

Opening the conference, Yves Madre, President of the European Wine Day and of Farm Europe, underlined the strategic context in which the meeting was taking place. He highlighted that winegrowers across Europe are facing profound transformations — from shifting consumption patterns and generational renewal challenges to climate change and the growing impact of unbalanced narratives on health and alcohol consumption. He stressed the need for the EU to provide a coherent policy framework that supports the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness, while recognising its cultural and economic importance.

Throughout the day, speakers and participants examined the main challenges and opportunities facing the European wine sector. Discussions focused on the need to combine economic, environmental, and social performance, rather than pursuing one dimension at the expense of others. The sessions also addressed the importance of maintaining consumer trust, ensuring fair competition in international trade, and promoting a balanced approach to health communication based on science and moderation.

Franck Leroy, President of the Grand Est Region and of AREV, underlined the importance of hosting this year’s edition in Strasbourg, at the heart of a major winegrowing region. He recalled that Alsace embodies the close link between viticulture, territory, and identity, and stressed the role of the regions in defending Europe’s wine heritage and supporting its renewal.

Christophe Hansen, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, welcomed the spirit of dialogue that defines the European Wine Day and recognised the contribution of the wine sector to Europe’s excellence, identity, and sustainability goals. He reaffirmed the European Commission’s commitment to supporting the sector through innovation, climate adaptation, and generational renewal.

MEPs from different political groups contributed actively to the discussions. Herbert Dorfmann highlighted the need for a Common Agricultural Policy that gives winegrowers the means to remain resilient and autonomous in the face of market volatility and climate challenges. Céline Imart underlined the importance of strengthening Europe’s position in global markets and ensuring fair trade conditions for producers. Carlo Fidanza stressed the interdependence between economic viability, environmental protection, and social sustainability. Esther Herranz García insisted on the need to safeguard the sector’s competitiveness and cultural dimension through coherent European policies. Dario Nardella and Carmen Crespo called for an ambitious, future-oriented European framework that recognises wine as both a strategic economic sector and a pillar of rural life, while Eric Sargiacomo reiterated the need for the EU to defend its viticultural model in the face of global challenges.

The conclusions of the working sessions highlighted a set of key measures for the future of the sector: reconnecting wine with consumers through adapting the offer, maintaining a strong and common CAP, addressing climate change through adaptation and crisis management, and fostering innovation throughout the value chain.

The event closed with a strong message of unity and optimism. Participants called for a renewed European policy framework that supports growth, recognises the social and cultural value of wine, and invests in the future of those who make it possible.

As Yves Madre concluded, the European Wine Day stands as a space for open, constructive dialogue between all parts of the sector — a platform to define together the vision and ambition needed for the rebirth of European viticulture.

For questions and reactions please do not hesitate to contact us at info@farm-europe.eu

Farm Europe and Eat Europe call on the European Parliament rapporteur, Mr. Mato, not to give in to opposing pressures and to continue defending European rice growers without hesitation or compromise.

The rice sector has welcomed the openness shown for over a month by the European institutions toward the automatic activation of the safeguard clause — a fundamental instrument to protect European production from market imbalances and unfair competition.

This was a demand that Farm Europe and Eat Europe had been advocating since the very first actions launched last spring.

However, we cannot accept any onerous conditions or watered-down compromises that the rapporteur might be prepared to negotiate. European rice growers are already facing a deep crisis, worsened by massive imports at unsustainable prices and by unequal production standards compared to those imposed on EU operators.

A step forward that is not shared by all European Parliament rapporteurs would risk dealing a fatal blow to a strategic sector, one that stands as a symbol of quality, sustainability, and agricultural tradition.

European rice growers cannot be sacrificed on the altar of other economic or geopolitical interests. It is time for the European institutions to show coherence and courage in defending those who, every day, work to ensure food security, environmental protection, and the stewardship of rural territories.

For questions and reactions please do not hesitate to contact us at info@farm-europe.eu or info@eat-europe.eu