EU-India trade deal
On 11 September, the European Commission submitted proposals to the Council to sign and conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India to boost market access, reduce tariffs, reduce trade barriers and simplify trade rules. The FTA could cut tariffs on 96% of EU goods exported to India.
Brazilian POAO ban
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized the EU’s Brazilian POAO ban, citing a lack of prior dialogue and stating that necessary measures have been introduced. Brazil warns of reciprocal measures if talks are unsatisfactory. EU poultry and honey audit results are pending.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Greece
192 outbreaks of FMD have been reported in Lesvos, Greece (+26 compared to w/b 10 August). Over 80,000 sheep and goats have been culled. The Greek army will take over coordination as government and regional authorities clash over outbreak management.
EU Thai poultry audit
DG SANTE auditors have found shortcomings in Thai poultry production and processing, due to systemic problems including water controls and traceability. Thailand has submitted an action plan. EU-Thailand FTA talks are nearing conclusion, with the next round set for late this month. AVEC has urged the Commission to suspend Thai imports until full compliance with EU standards is proven.
EU public procurement proposal
The Commission has proposed to amend the EU public procurement framework to simplify current rules. For food, the changes would allow buyers to consider food quality including sustainability, organic production, geographical indications, nutrition, seasonality and animal welfare. It also introduces a European preference in procurement. The proposal will now be passed to the European Parliament and Council.
€1 billion French agriculture emergency aid package
The French government announced a €1 billion aid package to support agriculture after extreme heatwaves, wildfires, and droughts. The package includes:
- €520 million for crop loss compensation through rapid payments.
- €330 million in tax and social relief for affected farms.
- €235 million for recovery efforts, including feed, seeds, and infrastructure repairs.
FNSEA argue the aid is insufficient.
More Dutch protests over nitrogen
Protests are back in the Netherlands as the nitrogen debate intensifies. Dutch environment agency, PBL, have estimated that the government’s nitrogen plans would reduce agricultural ammonia emissions by 40% by 2035, just shy of the 42% target. If other measures fail to reach the target, a blanket 5% cut in livestock numbers could be introduced. However, this is not supported by the current Dutch Agriculture Minister Jaimi van Essen or the BBB (farmers party), who are calling for the nitrogen plan to be withdrawn.
