Copa and Cogeca delegation engage with US stakeholders amid rising trade tensions

Against the backdrop of growing transatlantic trade tensions, a high-level delegation from Copa and Cogeca, led by the Copa President Massimiliano Giansanti and Cogeca President Lennart Nilsson recently concluded a series of strategic meetings in Washington DC. EU farm leaders engaged with key US policymakers, industry and agricultural stakeholders over three days of discussions.

Pourquoi une stratégie de l’UE sur les protéines n’a jamais été aussi urgente

Il y a exactement un mois, le Commissaire à l’agriculture, M. Christophe Hansen, a présenté la vision de la Commission pour l’avenir de l’agriculture. Parmi les mesures annoncées, une en particulier a retenu l’attention des producteurs de protéagineux européens : l’ambition renouvelée de mettre sur pied un plan complet pour réduire la dépendance de l’UE envers les importations de protéines. Si j’utilise le terme « ambition renouvelée », c’est parce que celles et ceux amateurs de politique européenne savent qu’il s’agit d’un défi récurrent. MM. Phil Hogan et Janusz Wojciechowski ont déjà tenté de s’y attaquer par le passé. Pourtant, comme l'a judicieusement rappelé le rapport Draghi : « les dépendances deviennent des vulnérabilités ». Si l’on aborde ce sujet sérieusement, malgré sa complexité, l'on sait qu'on ne peut plus attendre pour agir.

NTG – Le Copa et la Cogeca saluent la décision historique du Conseil

Il s'agissait d'une décision attendue depuis longtemps, en particulier par les agriculteurs et les coopératives de toute l'Europe. Aujourd'hui, les États membres, réunis au sein du COREPER, se sont mis d'accord sur un mandat de négociation pour la future réglementation des NTG dans l'UE. Le Copa et la Cogeca saluent cette évolution, qui pourrait revitaliser la production européenne de semences et offrir de nouvelles opportunités aux agriculteurs et aux coopératives en leur donnant accès à des variétés de cultures plus résistantes à la sécheresse et aux maladies, tout en améliorant les rendements et en réduisant l'utilisation d'intrants.

The position adopted by the Council on tariffs imposed on Russian and Belarusian fertilisers completely disregards the concerns and proposals of the farming sector

Today, in COREPER, the Council adopted its position in preparation for negotiations with the European Parliament on the Commission’s proposed regulation to impose gradual tariffs on fertiliser imports from Russia and Belarus. Since the release of the Commission’s proposal, Copa and Cogeca have consistently warned European co-legislators about the significant risks that it presents to European agriculture and food security. The proposal, which came about without a proper impact assessment, offers neither short-term solutions nor a clear medium-to-long-term strategy for sourcing alternatives. As a result, Copa and Cogeca are dismayed and concerned by the Council’s position, which makes no substantial progress on the Commission’s original proposal.

Farmers and Agri-Cooperatives seek greater recognition in the revision of the EU energy security framework

Ahead of the Energy Council meeting on 17 March, Copa and Cogeca have sent a letter to COREPER. It urges EU policymakers to ensure that farmers and agri-cooperatives are fully recognised in the revision of the EU’s energy security regulations. The ongoing discussions on gas supply security and electricity risk preparedness are crucial for safeguarding Europe’s economy and competitiveness, but they must also take into account food security.

Fertiliser imports – Copa-Cogeca calls on Member States to urgently vote for corrective measures to the Commission’s proposal

In a letter sent today to Member states, Copa and Cogeca urge the Council Presidency and Member States to support key and necessary adjustments, including a one-year deferral, a reliable safeguard mechanism, higher quota rates, and an annual review clause. Additionally, the scope of the measures should exclude essential fertiliser components (N, P, K and N, P).

European agriculture anticipates progress on NGTs at COREPER level this week

This week should mark a decisive moment for European farming as discussions advance towards the first EU regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). A clear legal framework is essential to secure investment in European seed breeding across all regions and sectors, enabling farmers to access plant varieties better adapted to climate change—offering drought resistance, pest and disease tolerance, and improved yields. Improved seeds are a crucial tool for farmers in ensuring food security.

Commission proposal on trade defense measures against fertiliser imports from Russian/Belarus: A medium-term strategy is crucial for EU food security along with urgent fixes to mitigate severe economic harm for farmers

Copa and Cogeca have raised serious concerns over the European Commission’s recent proposal to impose sanctions on fertiliser imports from Russia and Belarus, warning that the move could lead to extensive economic harm for EU agriculture. In their position paper, Copa and Cogeca call on the Commission to immediately put forward the removal of import duties on fertilisers from third countries other than Russia and Belarus, and to prioritise the use of manure by making derogations to the limit set by the Nitrates Directive for processed manures and pastures.

An ambitious vision for agriculture that seeks to reconnect with on-the-ground realities cannot ignore the debate on the CAP budget

Today, the European Commission unveiled a key communication, long trailed by Ursula von der Leyen, outlining the EU’s vision for agriculture and food policy. This roadmap represents a pragmatic reset based on relevant analysis and grounded observations and proposes an ambitious catalog of future work strands. However, it fails to address the elephant in the room: the future CAP budget and the resources needed to finance this package of measures.

European agricultural stakeholders call for a carefully balanced approach to any potential further trade liberalisation with Ukraine

As the European Commission prepares to present its objectives to the Council on future negotiations for the trade liberalisation with Ukraine sometime this month, EU agricultural associations of key affected sectors are urging caution and balance. While supporting Ukraine in these challenging times remains important, any revised agreement must account for the cumulative pressures facing sensitive EU sectors (cereals, seeds, sugar, poultry, eggs, ethanol, honey), especially in the wake of the recently announced EU-Mercosur agreement.

EU Member States endorse updated Code for Green Labelling for Feed to drive sustainable animal feed production

Following a comprehensive 12-month assessment, the European Commission's SCoPAFF on Animal Nutrition officially endorsed the upgraded Copa-Cogeca and FEFAC Code of Good Labelling Practices for compound feed. The endorsement at the meeting of 2-3 December marks a significant step forward in the promotion of sustainable feed production and reduction of livestock production’s emissions.

Accord UE-Mercosur – La communauté agricole de l’UE refuse de payer l’addition !

Les craintes de la communauté agricole sont devenues réalité : Aujourd’hui, la Commission européenne, au nom de l’UE, et les représentants du Mercosur, sont parvenus à un nouvel accord sur leur traité commercial bilatéral. S’il est accepté par les États membres et le Parlement européen, cet accord aura de lourdes conséquences sur l’agriculture familiale dans toute l’Europe, et touchera également 450 millions de consommateurs européens. Par la présente, le Copa et la Cogeca annoncent l’organisation d’une action flash à Bruxelles ce lundi.

Rising Olive Oil Prices Raise Alarm in the Sector Over Fraud Risks

The EU is the world’s largest producer of olive oil, accounting for around 65% of global production. However, due to unfavourable climatic conditions, recent harvests have been poor. In 2022/23, EU olive oil production fell by around 40% compared to previous years, and in 2023/24, production dropped by 25% compared to the five-year average. This trend is reflected globally with olive oil production in decline across many regions. As a result, prices for olive oil have surged worldwide, with increases ranging from 100% to as much as 175% for extra virgin olive oil, depending on the market. In this context, consumers may be drawn to cheaper alternatives while traders might be tempted to offer lower-cost options, thus increasing the risk of fraud in a market known for its quality and centuries-old traditions.

European Agro-Food Workers Unions and Farming Sector Strongly Reject the Conclusion of the Mercosur Trade Agreement

Copa Cogeca, CEJA, EFFAT and GEOPA representing farmers and their cooperatives, workers' unions and employers in the European agricultural sector, are strongly opposed to the ratification of this agreement. The overall outcome of the EU-Mercosur FTA negotiations would expose the EU agri-food sector to unfair competition with negative consequences for farmers’ livelihoods, wages, working conditions and employment. What's more, the current draft doesn't contribute to raising social and environmental standards in Mercosur countries and increases the risk of breaking up regional value chains in those countries.

European Farmers Congress: Shaping Agriculture as a Key Asset for Europe’s Future

The 11th edition of the Congress of European farmers, organised by Copa and Cogeca and supported by the Romanian Alliance for Agriculture and Cooperation (AAC), was held in Bucharest from 23rd to 25th October. With more than 400 participants and panellists, the programme focused on setting the course for the competitive and sustainable future of European Agriculture for the next political term.

EU-Mercosur agreement: A “compensation Fund” for farmers that sparks more concern than reassurance

As the perspective of concluding negotiations on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement at the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro gets closer a proposal has emerged in Brussels to set up a “compensation fund” aimed at pacifying European farmers. For our sectors, this appears more like a fake quick fix rather than a genuine solution. It fails to address key concerns, particularly regarding the impact on sensitive sectors and the lack of reciprocity in production standards under the current terms of the agreement.

CAP needs further clarity to facilitate the work of fruit and vegetable producer organisations!

Many European consumers are often unaware of the vital role Producer Organisations play in the agricultural sector. Yet, in my sector of fruits and vegetables, they form the backbone of our marketing efforts. As of 2022, the European Commission has recorded 1,536 producer organisations and 26 transnational producer organisations in this sector.

Celebrating International Rural Women’s Day

As we mark International Rural Women’s Day on October 15th, it is essential to recognise the vital role women farmers and rural women play in shaping our food systems, ensuring food security, and driving economic development in European rural areas. This year, Copa and Cogeca are proud to once again participate in the Inspirers campaign, which highlights the crucial role of women in agriculture.

Serious Concerns Over the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement: Urgent Action Needed to Protect the EU Agri-Food Chain

As discussions on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement resumed from October 7 to 9 in Brasília, our sectors once again reaffirm their strong opposition to the agreement, highlighting its potential repercussions on the EU agri-food supply chain.

Si aucune mesure n'est prise, l'apiculture pourrait être réduite au rang de hobby en Europe!

En tant qu'apiculteur professionnel dans le nord de la France, gérant 300 ruches et 800 colonies, j'ai traversé une période difficile, comme beaucoup de mes collègues apiculteurs à travers l'Europe. Le marché européen du miel est en crise depuis plusieurs années et les défis auxquels nous sommes confrontés atteignent aujourd'hui un point critique. Une combinaison de facteurs, tels que l'afflux d'importations bon marché, un marché inondé de miel frelaté, les répercussions du changement climatique ainsi que les espèces envahissantes et les parasites, a mis le secteur apicole à genoux, menaçant nos moyens de subsistance.

Mes collègues et moi-même, au Copa-Cogeca, n'avons cessé de tirer la sonnette d'alarme sur le scandale du frelatage du miel, et aujourd'hui, je me sens obligé d'en parler à nouveau car la situation a viré à la catastrophe.