News

On 23/03/2020, FoodDrinkEurope, the European organization representing food and beverage producers, called on the European Commission to take measures to ensure uninterrupted food supply within the Single Market of the EU. In particular, FoodDrinkEurope called for tackling the difficult border situation by harmonizing Member States' rules on crossing the border. Together with the European Federation of Trade Unions in the Food, Agriculture and Tourism (EFFAT), FoodDrinkEurope also called for support for workers in the food sector, including food processing, food packaging and transport. Workers should be provided with childcare assistance, protective equipment should be provided, and wages should be compensated if they are temporarily prevented from working. According to FoodDrinkEurope, the European Commission should develop guidelines for Member States to strengthen the protection of food workers.
More information is available here and here.

The Federal Institute for Animal Health in Germany has confirmed a new outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza on a turkey farm in Dornum, Lower Saxony, Aurich. After the death of 130 turkeys on the farm, the population was officially tested; The District Veterinary Office declared quarantine within a radius of 3 km and an observation area within a radius of 10 km from the outbreak. Tests on two other farms in the area concerned were negative.
More information is available here.

On 15/03/2020, the Commission launched a public consultation on the European Animal Welfare Strategy. This evaluation aims to assess the extent to which the Strategy delivered against its objectives and the extent to which those are relevant and coherent today. This evaluation will provide input to all future EU animal welfare initiatives. The consultation is open until 15/06/2020, available here.

On 01/03/2020, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) launched a third consultation with stakeholders and Member States as part of the review of the Guidelines for Risk Assessment of Pesticide Effects on Bees. EFSA asks for feedback on the proposed revision scheme for risk assessment systems, focusing on crop attractiveness and risk assessment methodology. The consultation will be closed on 30/04/2020.
More information is available here.

The Association of German Farmers "Land Schafft Verbindung" threatens to reduce food production during the Coronavirus pandemic in the context of a sharp fight for compliance with fertilizer legislation (Nitrates Directive). In a letter to the President of the European Commission, the association asked to suspend the implementation of the amended legislation and not to impose fines on German farmers. Increased farm costs due to the stricter directive may lead to farm closures and thus jeopardize food supply during the Coronavirus crisis. While EU countries have for most years followed the EU nitrate guidelines (in force since 1991), Germany is a Member State that still exceeds the limits. Germany can thus face fines of up to EUR 850,000 per day.
More information is available here.