What's Happening?
At a recent extraordinary meeting, EU agriculture ministers, led by Commissioners Christoph Hansen, Maroš Šefčovič, and Olivér Várhelyi, outlined priorities for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to ensure food security and farmer income in 2026. The
meeting emphasized the importance of the agri-food sector to European sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Key proposals included safeguarding farmer income with a minimum of €300 billion in the upcoming EU budget and allocating at least 10% of each National and Regional Partnership Plan to rural development. The Commission also plans to address fertiliser affordability by temporarily suspending tariffs on certain fertilisers and introducing a Fertiliser Action Plan. Additionally, regulatory simplifications are proposed to ease the burden on farmers.
Why It's Important?
The decisions made at this meeting are crucial for maintaining the competitiveness and sustainability of the EU's agricultural sector. By securing CAP funding and addressing fertiliser costs, the EU aims to stabilize farmer incomes and ensure food security amid global market volatility. These measures are expected to support millions of jobs within the agri-food sector, which is vital for the EU's economic stability. The focus on regulatory simplification and reciprocity in trade will help maintain a level playing field for European farmers, potentially leading to increased productivity and innovation in the sector.
What's Next?
The EU Commission plans to implement these measures by 2026, with a focus on translating the Vision for Agriculture and Food into concrete outcomes. The Fertiliser Action Plan will be presented in the second quarter of the year, aiming to enhance market transparency and promote alternative inputs. The Commission will also continue to defend EU farming interests and ensure that substances banned in the EU do not re-enter the market through imports. These steps are expected to strengthen the EU's position in global agricultural markets and support long-term sustainability.
