This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#11, 2026)
CAP delegated regulations published; Parliament adopts stricter water pollutant rules; new State aid for fertiliser hydrogen; Council reviews agri-food Vision; new animal disease controls.
March 22, 2026 to March 28, 2026
CAP delegated regulations published; Parliament adopts stricter water pollutant rules; new State aid for fertiliser hydrogen; Council reviews agri-food Vision; new animal disease controls.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📝 EP Motions & Questions
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Agriculture and Fisheries Council: On March 30, the EU Council's Agriculture and Fisheries Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission approves €144 million French State aid for renewable hydrogen in fertiliser sector
On 26 March, the European Commission approved €144 million in State aid for HyforSeeds, a subsidiary of Hynamics, aimed at installing a 50 MW renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production unit at LAT Nitrogen's site in Ottmarsheim-Chalampé, Haut Rhin, France. The project will replace up to 15% of fossil-based hydrogen in EU ammonia production with renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, targeting a minimum 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding over 46,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The aid, granted as a direct grant, supports investment costs for infrastructure including an electrolyser. The measure was assessed under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy. HyforSeeds has agreed to share profits that exceed expectations with the French authorities. The project aligns with the Renewable Energy Directive and the EU Hydrogen Strategy.
Commission presents new strategy for integrated wildfire risk management
On 24 March, the Commission announced a new integrated approach to wildfire risk management, addressing prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The strategy builds on the Preparedness Union Strategy and prioritises ecosystem-based measures, including nature restoration and landscape planning, to increase resilience. Guidance on Natura 2000 and climate adaptation was also published, clarifying Member State flexibilities in emergencies. The Commission will expand the rescEU firefighting fleet, develop pan-European risk modelling, and establish a European firefighting hub in Cyprus. Updated risk assessment guidelines and improved early warning systems will be rolled out, with a proposal for a Council Recommendation forthcoming. Funding opportunities and best-practice exchanges are planned.
Commission addresses wildfire risks: remarks by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Commissioners Lahbib and Roswall
On 24 March, Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu and Commissioners Hadja Lahbib and Jessika Roswall outlined the new Communication on integrated wildfire risk management. Mînzatu stressed the transition from reactive to anticipatory fire management, integrating prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, with support for fire services and rural communities. Lahbib and Roswall highlighted cross-border coordination, enhanced data sharing, AI-based fire prediction, and the role of farmers and land managers in risk reduction. The Communication is positioned as a key operational step in the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy, with guidance for Natura 2000 sites and a focus on local adaptation and resilience.
Commission publishes Q&A on integrated wildfire risk management
Released on 24 March, the Q&A details the rationale and actions under the new wildfire risk management strategy, referencing the Copernicus European Forest Fire Information System's reporting of over one million hectares burned in 2025. Measures are linked to the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Common Agricultural Policy, with a focus on improved risk assessment, public awareness, and education. The rescEU fleet’s expansion, the Cyprus regional hub, and updated guidelines for Member States are covered. The strategy does not impose new costs but seeks to increase efficiency, with long-term investments in prevention expected to reduce overall wildfire damage.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
CAP Strategic Plan amendment procedures updated—Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/174
Published 26 March, this regulation supplements Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 by detailing procedures and timelines for Member States to request strategic amendments and notify other amendments to CAP Strategic Plans. The new rules specify information requirements, use of the SFC2021 electronic system, and clarify cases exempt from the maximum number of amendment requests. The regulation applies from 1 January 2026.
CAP: Additional requirements and simplifications for interventions—Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/177
Adopted 21 January and published 26 March, this regulation amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/126, introducing administrative simplifications for hemp controls, market withdrawals, and permanent grassland ratios under Regulation (EU) 2021/2115. It adjusts control rates, support ceilings, and operational programme rules for producer organisations. Amendments align with changes from Regulation (EU) 2025/2649.
Changes to annual performance clearance in CAP—Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/129
Published 26 March, this act amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/127 by removing references to annual performance clearance, following Regulation (EU) 2025/2649's deletion of Article 54 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116. Adjustments are made to paying agency obligations and performance reporting.
Integrated administration and control system quality assessment updated—Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/149
Published 26 March, this regulation amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1172 to merge quality assessments for the identification system for agricultural parcels, geo-spatial application system, and area monitoring system, as required by Article 70a of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 (amended by Regulation (EU) 2025/2649). It introduces simplifications for monitorable eligibility conditions and applies from 1 January 2026.
African swine fever: amended special disease control measures—Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/767
Published 27 March, this regulation amends Annexes I and II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, updating restricted and infected zones in Germany, Italy, Lithuania, and Poland following new outbreaks and improved situations. The changes are based on epidemiological data and compliance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687.
Geographical indications: PGI and PDO register changes
Several acts published between 24–26 March amend the Union register for protected designations: Kayseri Pastırması (PGI) is registered (32026R0725); Colline Teatine (PGI) and del Vastese / Histonium (PGI) are cancelled (32026R0707, 32026R0703); amendments to Ravenna (PGI), Savennières Coulée de Serrant (PDO), and Marc de Champagne (now Marc champenois, GI) are approved (32026R0726, 32026R0727, 32026R0729).
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
European Parliament
Parliament adopts stricter rules on water pollutants—amendments to Directives 2000/60/EC, 2006/118/EC, and 2008/105/EC
On 26 March, Parliament adopted the joint text with Council on the proposal to amend water policy directives (COM(2022)0540; 2022/0344(COD)), following a report by Javi López (A9-0238/2023, ENVI Committee). The legislation updates pollutant lists and strengthens environmental quality standards for surface water and groundwater.
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council reviews Vision for Agriculture and Food, trade issues, and fisheries transition
On 30 March, ministers discussed implementation of the EU Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food after one year, covering generational renewal, simplification, crisis preparedness, and supply chain initiatives. The Council addressed trade issues, reciprocity measures, border controls, and crisis funding. Ministers also exchanged views on energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture, agreeing on the need for regulatory reforms and support from the EMFAF. The Council amended fishing opportunities for North-East Atlantic mackerel, reducing the total allowable catch by 49%.
EP Motions & Questions
Parliament objects to Commission delegated regulation on permanent carbon removals certification
On 23 March, Michael Bloss (Verts/ALE), Tiemo Wölken (S&D), and Martin Günther (The Left) tabled a motion for a resolution objecting to the Commission delegated regulation of 3 February 2026 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3012 on certification methodologies for permanent carbon removals. The motion argues that the methodologies do not fully account for lifecycle emissions or monitoring requirements, especially for biochar carbon removal.
EP Committee Work
ENVI Committee and EFSA address infant formula recalls due to cereulide contamination
On 24 March, the ENVI Committee held a joint meeting in Brussels, including an exchange of views with the Commission and the European Food Safety Authority on infant formula recalls related to cereulide contamination. The agenda included updates on risk management and regulatory responses in the food safety domain.
CULT Committee draft opinion on EU Fund for cohesion, agriculture, rural, fisheries and maritime for 2028-2034
On 26 March, rapporteur Hélder Sousa Silva (CULT Committee) published a draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for 2028-2034. The draft opinion covers linkages to Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
What We're Reading This Week
- Environmental Credits for Seaweed Aquaculture and Marine Permaculture: Insights from the EU4Algae Webinar: Experts highlight how seaweed farming and marine permaculture can earn environmental credits, potentially boosting sustainable blue economy initiatives.
- EU-Mercosur trade deal to apply provisionally from May 1: EU-Mercosur trade agreement will begin provisional application on May 1, accelerating economic ties between Europe and South America.
- English farming is changing quickly, for the better: Sustainable practices and innovative technology are reshaping English agriculture, boosting productivity while reducing environmental impact.
- England has shown the world how to replace farm subsidies: England's transition to environmentally focused farm payments offers a model for global agricultural policy reform.
- Australia trade deal brings back Macron’s Mercosur nightmare: Australia’s new trade agreement revives European fears over environmental and agricultural competition tied to South American deals.
