News

The newly merged EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme is set to enter into force tomorrow (August 1), so that programmes can run for the 2017/18 school year.The new school scheme forms part of Commissioner Hogan's simplification agenda. It allows for greater synergies and efficiencies in the implementation of the new scheme, and complements other measures in the areas of health and education policies. Read more.

In June, the EU and China published a list of 200 European and Chinese geographical indications (GIs) that are protected on their respective markets, as part of a bilateral deal that should be concluded by December. Both parties submitted 100 denominations each but many European items, particularly those from Italy, have been left off the list. Read more.

Two European agricultural organisations (COCERAL and Copa-Cogeca) sent a joint letter to Member States this week calling for the full 15 years re-authorisation of the herbicide active substance glyphosate. They underline that glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide and its use is important together with catch crops to prevent soil erosion and cut greenhouse gas emissions. You can download the letter here.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday (27 July) promised Slovakia and other Eastern European member states he would help stamp out the “totally unacceptable” sale of lower quality food products in their markets. Read more.

The European Commission has published a long-awaited ‘inception impact assessment’ on unfair trading practices (UTPs), setting out a series of objectives and policy options aimed at improving farmers’ position in the agri-food supply chain. Learn more.