Copa and Cogeca urge action amid surge in fraudulent imports of waste and residues for biofuels

Contrary to its original purpose, the energy content multiplier — or double counting — applied under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) transport targets is increasingly being misused, turning into an entry point for a wave of fraudulent feedstock imports, ranging from used cooking oil, palm oil effluents and advanced ethanol. Ahead of the Transport and Energy Council on 16 June, Copa and Cogeca have sent a formal letter to the President of the Council and the European Commissioner for Energy, outlining key demands to address the issue and restore confidence in certification schemes and market integrity.

Press Conference - Invitation

A 45-minute press conference conducted in English by Copa and Cogeca Presidents Massimiliano Giansanti and Lennart Nilsson, with the participation of Secretary-General Elli Tsiforou.This press conference will address the key agricultural issues set to shape the EU agenda this summer in Brussels, starting with the presentation of the future EU budget and proposals for the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It will also cover the increasing number of trade-related challenges driven by global geopolitical tensions, which could have serious implications for the agricultural sector and potentially spark renewed unrest among EU farming communities. Following initial mobilisations on MFF and CAP matters in May, Copa and Cogeca will use this opportunity to announce their next actions, as the European Commission has yet to provide the clarity and concrete reassurances expected on these critical issues.

Le Parlement européen approuve les droits de douane proposés par la Commission sur les engrais russes et biélorusses mais continue de négliger d’autres sources d'approvisionnement pour les agriculteurs

Ce jeudi, le Parlement européen a voté à une nette majorité en faveur du rapport de l'eurodéputée Inese Vaidere (PPE, LV) concernant la modification des droits de douane sur les importations d'engrais en provenance de Russie et de Biélorussie, rejetant tous les amendements proposés. En conséquence, la proposition de la Commission entrera en vigueur à compter du 1er juillet 2025, ce qui déclenchera des droits de douane supplémentaires. Les communautés agricoles comprennent et soutiennent l'objectif global poursuivi par les institutions européennes. Cependant, l'absence totale de considération pour les sources d'approvisionnement alternatives, l'absence d'analyse d'impact et le manque de clarté sur les répercussions pour le marché restent hautement problématiques.

Sans clarté sur le budget de la PAC, l'agriculture et la sécurité alimentaire de l'UE risquent de s'effondrer comme un château de cartes !

Aujourd'hui, des actions flash symboliques ont été organisées dans une vingtaine d'États membres de l'UE, pour aboutir à une mobilisation centrale organisée conjointement par la FWA, le Boerenbond et le Copa-Cogeca à Bruxelles, en marge de la conférence de la Commission européenne sur le budget de l'UE. Pour le secteur agricole, il s'agit d'une première mobilisation paneuropéenne en faveur d'une augmentation du budget de la PAC adaptée à l'inflation et en réponse aux préoccupations croissantes concernant l'idée d'un « fonds unique », qui, si elle est poursuivie selon le raisonnement de la Commission, pourrait signifier la dilution de la boîte à outils de la politique agricole commune et sa fusion avec d'autres priorités politiques. Pour les organisations agricoles de l'UE, cette option représente un faux pas historique et une menace pour la sécurité alimentaire de l'UE, un point de vue partagé par de nombreux ministres et membres du Parlement européen.

Ahead of EU-UK Summit-EU agri-food stakeholders call for an SPS agreement and enhanced regulatory cooperation

In anticipation of the upcoming EU-UK Summit on 19 May, EU agri-food chain organisations Copa-Cogeca - representing farmers and agri-cooperatives, CELCAA - representing traders, and FoodDrinkEurope -representing food and drink manufacturers, call on the EU and the UK to commit to negotiating a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement and enhanced regulatory cooperation. This represents a practical step toward reducing post-Brexit trade frictions and strengthening our economic ties.

INTA Committee vote on fertiliser imports from Russia and Belarus – rejection of all mitigation amendments leaves European farmers worried

Copa and Cogeca deeply regret the outcome of today’s vote on the draft report by MEP Inese Vaidere (EPP, Latvia) regarding the modification of customs duties on certain imports from Russia and Belarus, starting with fertilisers. Introducing trade defence measures without considering alternative plans and not considering their consequences on the agricultural sector is potentially devastating.

European Parliament takes a clear stance on the status of the wolf, restoring hope for the future of EU pastoralism

Copa and Cogeca welcome today’s vote in the European Parliament, where a large majority of MEPs (371 in favour, 162 against, 37 abstentions) adopted the European Commission’s proposed amendment to the Habitats Directive regarding the protection status of the wolf.

European Parliament stands firm against single fund proposal and calls for an increased CAP budget

The European Parliament has made its position unmistakably clear today in firmly opposing the European Commission’s proposal for a single fund instrument that could jeopardize the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Instead, the EP calls for a strengthened agricultural budget.

Ukraine Association Agreement: the lessons of the past must be reflected in the new agreement

One month before the expiration of the current Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM), EU agri-food producers and manufacturers call on the European Commission to reflect on the lessons of the past three years when shaping the next phase of our trade relationship with Ukraine. The goal should be to secure the economic viability of EU producers while paving the way for a successful and forward-looking partnership—one that fosters synergies and integration between two agricultural powerhouses.

Un faux pas historique ? Bouleverser l’architecture de la première politique commune de l’UE, la PAC, portera inéluctablement atteinte à la sécurité de l’Europe

Le Copa-Cogeca adresse aujourd’hui une lettre ouverte à la Présidente de la Commission, Mme Ursula von der Leyen, pour tirer la sonnette d’alarme sur les propositions visant à démanteler la structure à deux piliers de la PAC dans le prochain CFP. L’ensemble de la communauté agricole européenne est profondément alarmé par les discussions en cours à Bruxelles sur la fusion des fonds de l'UE en un Fonds unique – qui éliminerait de facto le FEAGA et le FEADER, les socles de la PAC. Cela modifierait fondamentalement la gouvernance du prochain CFP et porterait sévèrement atteinte à une politique qui reste indispensable pour garantir la compétitivité et la souveraineté alimentaire de l’UE.

Dérogation pour les produits RENURE : si elle n’agit pas, l’UE risque de passer à côté d’une solution de fertilisation durable

Le Copa-Cogeca, l’EBA et le CEMA ont envoyé une lettre aux commissaires Mme Roswall et M. Hansen pour leur demander d’agir sans plus attendre sur la modification de la directive nitrates, attendue depuis longtemps, afin de clarifier la dérogation pour les technologies RENURE (azote récupéré à partir des effluents d’élevage). Cet appel est lancé alors que les agriculteurs de l’UE subissent une pression croissante, notamment en raison des futures sanctions sur les engrais russes et biélorusses.

Copa and Cogeca launch the 8th edition of Innovation award for women farmers

Copa and Cogeca, in collaboration with Corteva Agriscience, are launching the 8th edition of the Innovation award for women farmers. This prestigious award acknowledges and celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in agriculture who have pioneered innovative solutions, driving sustainability across the European Union's agriculture sector.

EU farmers and agri-cooperatives raise alarm and call for de-escalation amid new US tariffs

Last night, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the new Reciprocal Tariffs Act, imposing an extra 20% levy on EU goods, set to take effect in the coming days. The EU and the U.S. share a longstanding, mutually beneficial agricultural trade relationship built on complementary strengths. The introduction of additional tariffs threatens to disrupt global supply chains, drive up prices, and limit market access for farmers and agri-cooperatives on both sides of the Atlantic, with significant economic consequences for the agricultural sector.

A solid EU Wine Package— except for its financial framework

In a challenging context for the wine sector over recent years, and as announced in the Vision for the Future of Agriculture, the European Commission today presented a 'Wine Package' that largely builds on the consultation work carried out within the High-Level Group on Wine. Copa and Cogeca welcome this action plan, which includes pragmatic measures, though uncertainties remain regarding its financial aspects.

La délégation du Copa et de la Cogeca s'entretient avec des parties prenantes américaines dans un contexte de tensions commerciales croissantes

Dans un contexte de tensions commerciales transatlantiques croissantes, une délégation de haut niveau du Copa et de la Cogeca, conduite par Massimiliano Giansanti, président du Copa, et Lennart Nilsson, président de la Cogeca, a récemment conclu une série de réunions stratégiques à Washington DC. Pendant trois jours de discussions, les dirigeants agricoles de l'UE se sont entretenus avec les principaux responsables politiques, industriels et agricoles des États-Unis.

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.