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As of 11 April 2025, the UK has banned personal imports of meat and dairy products from the EU due to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) concerns. The ban applies to products derived from cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, with exceptions for imports from Ireland and certain islands. Meanwhile, Germany regained its FMD-free status, which it lost after an outbreak in January. German livestock farmers suffered losses of €8–9 million due to restrictions and have requested financial support from EU agricultural funds.
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On 14 May 2025, the European Commission will present a simplification package for the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Key proposals include exempting organic farmers from several Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC), increased flexibility in maintaining permanent grasslands, and reducing CAP inspections to once a year by using satellite and AI technologies. The package also proposes targeted support for smaller farms and crisis-affected regions, allows national emergency funds, and investment aid for compliance with standards. These measures aim to significantly reduce administrative burdens for farmers and Member States.
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On 10 April 2025, EU institutions agreed on the first-ever legal framework for soil monitoring. The directive aims to track soil health, manage contamination risks, and prevent degradation. Importantly, it introduces no new obligations for farmers. Member States will assess soil using a unified EU method, including monitoring of PFAS and pesticides. Soil will be classified into condition categories and linked to voluntary EU targets and national triggers. Countries must publish lists of potentially contaminated sites within 10 years. Once formally approved, the directive enters into force 20 days after publication, with national implementation due in three years.
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President Trump imposed a blanket 10% tariff on all imports, and up to 145% on selected countries, including China. A 20% tariff on EU goods was announced but suspended for 90 days on 9 April to allow negotiations. The EU prepared retaliatory tariffs on agri-food products like beans, poultry, and almonds, effective in stages from 15 April. Meanwhile, China raised tariffs on US goods from 34% to 125%. These developments mark a significant escalation in global trade tensions, with agriculture and food exports heavily impacted.
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On 31 March 2025, the Special Committee on Agriculture met to discuss the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, focusing on creating an attractive sector that provides a fair standard of living and new income opportunities. The majority of Member States expressed support for a strong CAP budget and its two-pillar structure, emphasizing economic viability, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Delegations also stressed the importance of coupled payments, support for young farmers, and simplified administration. While views differed on limiting direct payments, most agreed on the need for balanced measures.