EU Agriculture and Food

The European Commission has published a first evaluation report of the EU rules against unfair trading practices in the agri-food chain. The findings show that the Directive is already helping create a fairer and more balanced market. 🔹 Legislation remains relevant for addressing the challenges faced by farmers and small suppliers 🔸 National enforcement authorities have opened more than 4,500 investigations since 2021, and the number of enforcement actions keeps growing. 🔹 Still, many farmers and suppliers report too few cases because they fear retaliation. 🔸 The report also shows that awareness of the rules needs to improve. 🔹National authorities can still make better use of proactive investigations. 🔸 Anonymous tip-offs continue to be an important tool for uncovering unfair practices. 🔹Farmer organisations and other associations can lodge complaints on behalf of farmers and SMEs to help to deal with the fear factor. 🔸 The Commission has already taken steps to improve cross-border enforcement. 🔹Overall, the costs of the rules are proportionate to the benefits for farmers and small suppliers. The Directive remains relevant, coherent with other EU actions, and provides clear added value. The results will feed into the Commission’s planned review of the rules to better protect farmers. You can read the full report and learn more about the next steps here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gsD_KCtZ #UTPs

World Soil Day is here and so is our special edition of the #MissionSoil newsletter! 🌍📩    This issue explores the theme: “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” highlighting how urban soils can make our cities greener, more resilient and climate-ready. 🏙️    Inside the newsletter you will find:  ✅️Insights on soil sealing and sustainable urban planning  ✅️Spotlight on @URSOILL restoring soils through living labs  ✅️Updates on projects, European #MissionSoilWeek and the Soil Monitoring Law  ✅️Upcoming events and calls    Dive into it ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d9cWA4Ey Celebrate #WorldSoilDay by exploring the best of #MissionSoilWeek 2025! 🌱

Research and innovation are driving the success of the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy - and some of the most exciting breakthroughs are transforming how we produce, process and package our food. Our new brochure showcases EU-funded innovations including reshaping food systems through circularity, climate action and cleaner value chains. From sustainable farming to smarter processing, food packaging and food solutions for space and crisis areas, EU-supported innovators are advancing sustainable food system transition. These projects show how the bioeconomy: 🌱 reduces pollutants and fossil-based inputs 🔄 supports circular food value chains 🌍 boosts climate resilience 🥗 strengthens food security 👉 Explore the brochure: link.europa.eu/WPc4Jv #bioeconomy EU Science, Research and Innovation EU Environment and Climate EU Business

Join EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen in Thailand 📅 24-28 May 2026 for the next EU agri-food business visit! Discover opportunities in the Thai market, promote EU's high-quality products and engage in business-to-business activities. 📍Opportunities: 🔹 Gain insights into Thailand's import conditions 🔹Attend Thaifex Anuga Asia in Bangkok 🔹Network with buyers, importers, and retailers Register 👉 https://lnkd.in/dxZYXDtP Do you want an idea of what an agri-business mission could look like? 👇 On a recent High-Level Mission to Brazil, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen was joined by 72 delegates from 18 EU Member States. 🤝 With a hectic schedule, the mission featured 381 business matchmaking meetings with over 60 Brazilian stakeholders, 23 specialised business visits, and 10 media interviews. 🥖 139 European products were showcased, including 84 with Geographical Indications (GIs). 👩💼 43% of delegates were taking part in an EU business delegation for the first time, and 52% of them represented Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These dynamic missions help open doors for European exporters while highlighting the best of Europe. 🌎

📢 📢 Registrations are now open for the CBE JU Stakeholder Forum 2026! On 24 March 2026, CBE JU will bring together industry, policy-makers, finance and research communities at The Square, Brussels to discuss what is still needed to turn #biobased innovations into competitive, large-scale industrial solutions in Europe. The 2026 edition will focus on: ▶️ From lab to fab – creating the conditions to move from research to first-of-a-kind industrial demonstration ▶️ From demonstration to market – enabling replication, commercialisation and market uptake ▶️ CBE JU’s role in Europe’s #bioeconomy vision and in strengthening EU industrial competitiveness By joining #CBESF26, participants will: ▶️ Gain insights into what is shaping Europe’s bioeconomy and competitiveness ▶️ See CBE JU-funded bio-based innovations in practice ▶️ Meet decision-makers, experts and innovators driving transformation 👉 Register now: https://lnkd.in/dUexXQg5

Access to land remains one of the biggest barriers for young Europeans who want to farm. High prices, scarce land and complex succession systems make it difficult to invest, plan and grow a viable business. 🌱 Our new feature highlights practical solutions emerging across Europe — from land banks and matching platforms to early transfer schemes and tailored financial tools — showing how change is already taking root. 🌍🤝 These insights feed directly into the EU Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture, which aims to make land more accessible through:  🔍 greater transparency in land markets   🔄 earlier and easier farm succession   💼 improved financial support under the future CAP   ⚖️ fairer opportunities for young farmers in land use and allocation  🇪🇺 Discover how EU action is helping open the way for Europe’s next generation of farmers👉 https://lnkd.in/etyVXVJm

EU agri-food trade strengthens in September The EU recorded a €5.4 billion agri-food trade surplus in September. This is 45% higher than in August. Key changes between January–September 2025: • Exports reached €177.4 bn (+€2.6 bn vs 2024), driven by cocoa, coffee, chocolate and dairy • China down significantly (–8%) due to lower cereal demand • Imports increased due to record cocoa and coffee prices Despite headwinds, including higher import costs, the EU’s agri-food trade continues to show resilience and a competitive edge globally. https://lnkd.in/e_uyjze8

🌰 Taste the Season: Nuts! 📍 Fresh from the fields  Spain 🇪🇸 and Italy 🇮🇹 top EU harvests of almonds and walnuts, France 🇫🇷 is known for its hazelnuts, and Portugal 🇵🇹 is celebrated for its chestnuts. ✨ Did you know?  Chestnuts stand apart from other nuts – naturally low in fat and rich in starch – and roasting them is a cherished winter tradition across Europe. 🌰 November is prime nut-harvest time — perfect for festive bakes, winter snacking️, or a classic cone of warm roasted chestnuts.  👉 https://europa.eu/!wWrxV7 

In Guadeloupe, innovation is taking root in the most grounded way possible. Gaël Tendon returned to his hometown of Vieux-Habitants to launch Karulium, a pioneering edible-mushroom venture supported by EAFRD funds. By transforming local agricultural and green waste into high-value food products, Karulium embodies the bioeconomy in action. The project creates jobs and reduces the region’s dependence on imports. This is exactly the type of forward-looking initiative promoted by the EU’s bioeconomy strategy which promotes trust and dialogue across value chains. Fresh produce, circular thinking, and community led growth: a project with a large impact.🍄🇪🇺  Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eGcecXBB #bioeconomy

Last week, DG Werner had the opportunity to connect with stakeholders who are shaping the future of agriculture and food systems.   In Finland, a number of interesting discussions took place. A visit to the SIMOLA dairy farm provided insight into how generational renewal can happen in practice – as young Finnish farmers take over the farm from their parents! It was an example of how generational renewal happens for real, and while national rules play a role, the EU-level impetus is equally important. Bioeconomy and forestry, viability of livestock and dairy sectors and the position of farmers in the food chain were all discussed. Exchanges with Finnish authorities and stakeholders - particularly during the seminar on the future #CAP - offered interesting insights and views, triggering discussions on site but also feeding thoughts for the future.   In Austria, DG Werner engaged in vibrant exchanges of ideas: from lively discussions on fairness in food supply chains at the #BWB & WIFO event, to productive meetings with @BMLUK, and a visit to the High School and Federal Office of Viticulture and Pomology in Klosterneuburg. There, students shared their motivation, future perspectives ranging from taking over family farms to working in the wine and fruit cultivation sector, and their innovative ideas on fruit-based drinks and vegetable wines. The school stands as a model to support successful generational renewal in the farming community: combining practical training (including exchanges via ERASMUS+), cutting-edge research and deep sectoral knowledge. Thanks to this excellence, graduates of the 5 -year educational programme are in high demand and almost guaranteed strong career prospects across the agri-food sector.   These interactions fostered meaningful dialogue, highlighted the value of research and academic expertise, and strengthened connections across sectors. Two countries, countless valuable conversations. Heartfelt thanks to everyone for your openness, insights and warm hospitality!