Nitrates Directive Evaluation
The Commission has published the Nitrates Directive evaluation. It confirms the law achieves environmental goals despite implementation issues. It concludes that the 170kg manure nitrogen (N) per hectare limit is scientifically sound and derogations require careful use. Opportunities exist to simplify implementation, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance nutrient management without loosening nitrate limits.
Animal Health Law Evaluation
The Commission has published the Animal Health Law evaluation. This applies in Northern Ireland and will apply in GB under the SPS agreement. It finds that the AHL is broadly fit for purpose and is an improvement compared to the previous framework. It is constrained by uneven implementation, legislative complexity and awareness gaps, making consistent implementation the current priority rather than reform.
EU Livestock Strategy
The Strategy aims to ensure long-term sector viability by enhancing resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability without imposing reductions in livestock numbers. Key points include proposed changes to on-farm welfare legislation for certain species by 2027, a review of disease categorisation, and development of unified GHG monitoring methods. The Commission, Member States, and stakeholders are urged to collaborate on implementation, with progress monitored by the Livestock Workstream.
EU Protein Plan
The Action Plan aims to boost supply of EU grown protein. The plan promotes protein crop production through CAP incentives, targeted investments, and risk management tools. It also supports mixed crop-livestock systems by increasing coupled support and invests in regional feed infrastructure. It seeks to enhance competitiveness through improved feeding strategies based on locally produced proteins and precision-feeding approaches. It also seeks to diversify imports, including closer cooperation with Ukraine.
FMD update – Greece and Cyprus
No outbreaks of FMD have been reported in Cyprus since 8 June 2026, (total of 121 outbreaks). According to the Cypriot veterinary service, the on-going vaccination campaign and restrictive measures have been effective. The source and route of transmission remain unclear. €1.65 million has been approved for pig farmers whose animals were culled.
In Greece, 146 outbreaks have been reported (+23 compared to w/b 29 June). All outbreaks remain on the island of Lesvos.
Dutch plan to reduce nitrogen pollution
The Dutch cabinet approved a €20 billion plan to cut nitrogen pollution:
- Farmers must cut ammonia emissions by 42–46% by 2035 and reduce emissions in buffer zones near Natura 2000 areas.
- By 2035, farms will be limited to 2.6 cows/hectare.
- Emissions limits for livestock holdings.
If voluntary cuts fail, mandatory livestock reductions will follow.
Anti-dumping investigation into Chinese Pekin Duck
The Commission has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese Pekin Duck imports following complaints from EU producers. Evidence suggests domestic prices and costs in China create distortions. The dumping investigation will cover 1 January to 31 December 2025, with a trend assessment from 1 January 2022 to the investigation’s end.
Commission adopts certification methodologies for carbon farming
The Commission adopted 3 certification methodologies for carbon farming under the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation. This covers agriculture and agroforestry on mineral soils, rewetting and restoration of peatlands and other organic soils, and afforestation. When in force, schemes can to apply for recognition of compliance with the methodologies.
Commission takes Hungary to Court over food price margins
The Commission has referred Hungary to the CJEU over introduction of price margin restrictions. Introduced in 2025, the rules restrict price margins to 10% for certain food products. The Commission sent formal notice in June 2025, followed by reasoned opinions in December 2025. As the Commission considers that Hungary is still in breach of EU rules, it has referred the case to the CJEU.
Parliament backs fertiliser aid to farmers in fast-tracked vote
The Council and the Parliament approved aid for farmers facing high fertiliser costs. The vote marks the completion of one of the last procedural hurdles for the relief, less than a month after the Commission proposed it as part of its fertiliser action plan. The initiative allows member countries to offer more liquidity aid, advance CAP subsidies and adjust the direct payment budget for 2027.
France to invest €2 billion in fertiliser production over 10 years
France has allocated €145 million, combining EU and national funds, to aid farmers and reduce reliance on imported nitrogen fertilisers. Emergency aid includes €50-70/tonne for fertiliser. Long-term plans involve a €2 billion investment, with €620 million in public funding, to modernise plants and boost low-carbon fertiliser production by 20% by 2032. Market conditions will be reassessed on October.
€41 million Greek State aid for fertiliser
Greece notified to the Commission a €41 million scheme under the in the primary production of agricultural products. The scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fertiliser prices and the aid will take the form of direct grants. The aid covers 15% of the total cost for fertilisers purchased from 15 March 2026 until 31 August 2026 and is capped at €50,000 per beneficiary.
