EU ban on Brazilian POAO comes into force
The EU’s ban on Brazilian POAO begins today (3 September). EU auditors are auditing Brazil’s new controls for poultry and honey until 4 September. If the audit results are favourable, the Commission may propose updating the list of approved third countries to reinstate Brazil for poultry and/or honey, subject to a SCoPAFF Committee vote. Upcoming meetings are scheduled in September, October, and November. The ban will also apply in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Commission objects to German welfare label
The Commission has opposed a German draft law requiring imported pork products to display animal welfare information, citing restrictions on free market goods. Austria, Latvia, Poland, Spain, France, and Czechia share concerns about disproportionate impacts on foreign producers.
SHAV confirmed in Normandy, France
Shamonda-type Orthobunyavirus (SHAV) has officially been confirmed in Normandy in both sheep and cattle. Several horses and alpacas have also tested positive for the virus in Switzerland, and the virus has also been confirmed in Austria and is rapidly spreading.
Iceland rejects restarting EU membership talks
Following a referendum vote over the weekend, Iceland rejected restarting EU membership talks with 52.8% against and 47.2% in favour, a difference of 12,600 votes. The vote comes as a relief to Icelandic farmers. In mid-August during an assembly of the Icelandic Farmers Association, 95% said they didn’t support accession talks because of the impact on agriculture, where many sensitive products including dairy and meat remain protected through tariffs and quotas.
