Lab-Grown Food – EU Ministers confirm that the Novel Food regulation is not fit for purpose 

Brussels, 23rd January 2024 – Yesterday’s discussions held at the EU AGRIFISH Council on the “CAP´s role in safeguarding high quality and primary farm-based food production” based on the note from the Austrian, French and Italian Delegations supported by many delegations, is in line with the recent statement by the European Parliament: the Novel food […]

Farm protests: structural responses from the EU needed

Since 2019, the Covid crisis and the war in Ukraine have put agriculture and food sovereignty back at the forefront, including in political speeches. This renewed interest in agriculture has not, however, been translated into strong actions in support of a sector facing the tangible effects of climate change and fierce international competition. Farmers’ protests […]

NGTs: NGOs AND RETAILERS REACT TO PROPOSAL

The proposals put forward by the EPP rapporteur for the European Parliament’s COMENVI committee have aroused opposition from the left-wing parties, particularly with regard to authorising the use of category 1 NGTs in organic farming. Alongside the European Parliament, which has stepped up the pace of its work, the Council of Agriculture Ministers is discussing […]

NGTs: GERMANY TO ALLOCATE FUNDS FOR R&D

The German Research Ministry has decided to invest 50 millions in NGTs R&D while some organic association continue to oppose the proposal of the commission. Convinced by the potential of NGTs, the EP rapporteurs and the Council’s presidency aim at reaching negotiating positions as soon as possible to begin trilogues’ negotiations in early 2024. Outside […]

Opening of the European Wine Day 2023 in Toulouse

Today, Toulouse, the European capital of European wine in 2023, hosts ‘The Soul of Europe,’ the first edition of European Wine Day. Political leaders, economists, researchers, and representatives from across Europe are gathering to engage in discussions about the future of European and French wine sectors, as well as the role of wine in today’s […]

Time for a bold protein strategy for Europe

In a significant move, the European Parliament has endorsed its own initiative report on the European protein strategy. This report underscores the importance of amplifying the production of protein sources within the EU’s agricultural sector. It emphasizes prioritizing natural agricultural proteins over synthetic alternatives or continued dependence on imports from Latin America. While this report […]

Geographical indications: Parliament’s position shall be taken seriously by the EU presidency

Negotiations on EU geographical indications have hit an unexpected snag in the last trialogue while it was supposed to be the decisive one before the final one scheduled for 24 October in the presence of the President of the Council of Agriculture Ministers, Luis Planas, and Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski. According to the lead negotiator […]