News

Despite industry’s desperate efforts to deny the impact of biofuels on food prices, a new study shows there is wide scientific consensus that biofuels policies increase global food prices. The analysis, conducted by consultancy Cerulogy for BirdLife Europe & Central Asia and Transport & Environment, reviews over 100 economic modelling studies of the impact on food prices because of increased demand for biofuels made from food crops. The study is available here

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker gave his annual State of the European Union address at the European Parliament on Wednesday (September 13). He criticised double standards of food quality, saying that there should be no “second class consumers” in the single market. He also said there was a good chance that the EU would agree the main elements of a new free trade with the Mercosur countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay and of an updated trade partnership with Mexico by the end of this year.

MEPs backed a legislative proposal, under which EU countries have to ensure a balance in CO2 emissions and absorption from forests, croplands and grasslands. MEPs bolstered these provisions by adding that from 2030, member states should boost CO2 absorption to exceed emissions, in line with the EU’s long-term objectives and the Paris Agreement. Read more

The Netherlands believes the new plant breeding techniques should not come under the GMO legislation as they are as safe as traditional breeding. It also insists that a discussion on the issue should be launched soon, even before the EU Court rules on the issue. Read more

Producers of peaches and nectarines whose business has been affected by a bumper harvest and a reduction in export sales are to receive additional financial support from the EU, the European Commission has confirmed. The measures will help farmers in Greece, Italy, and Spain to cope with the impact of a substantial harvest at a time when imports to key markets have been affected by a toughening of rules there following the Russian ban on fruit and vegetable imports from the EU. More information on the Commission's website here.