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.