News

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.

The environmental NGO European Environmental Bureau has called for the European Commission to “break the status quo” and draft a radically altered CAP focused on four strategic areas: protection of biodiversity and ecosystems; sustainable rural development; sustainable and healthy consumption; and a transition to sustainable farming. More information on the EEB's website here.

Italy has announced plans to bring in mandatory origin labelling for tomato-based products, bypassing EU procedures and sparking fears for the unity of Europe's single market. Read more.