This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#12, 2026)
Wine crisis distillation for France; €21.5m emergency farm aid; new pesticide residue controls; GM maize authorisations revoked; avian influenza/HPAI: new measures.
March 29, 2026 to April 04, 2026
Wine crisis distillation for France; €21.5m emergency farm aid; new pesticide residue controls; GM maize authorisations revoked; avian influenza/HPAI: new measures.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): On April 08, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Commission presentation of the EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (The Mission Soil).
- Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): On April 09, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Commission presentation of the EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (The Mission Soil).
European Commission
Commission allocates €21.5 million in emergency support to farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia and Hungary
On 29 March 2026, the European Commission announced the allocation of €21.5 million from the agricultural reserve to support farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia, and Hungary. The aid is directed at mitigating the effects of adverse weather during the 2025 growing season, including drought and heatwaves in Bulgaria and Hungary, as well as frost and wet conditions in Estonia. Bulgaria will receive €7.4 million, Estonia €3.3 million, and Hungary €10.8 million, with the possibility of supplementing this with up to 200% in national funds. Member States must distribute this aid by 30 September 2026 and report on implementation details, including beneficiary criteria, payment forecasts, and actions to avoid market distortion. The measure is part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023-2027, which features a €450 million annual agricultural reserve.
Commission issues guidance for pragmatic and proportionate rules on protecting wild birds
On 30 March 2026, the European Commission published guidelines to support Member States and stakeholders in the practical implementation of the Birds Directive. The guidance clarifies flexibilities under Articles 5 and 9, balancing wild bird protection with socio-economic needs, particularly for farmers, foresters, and fishers. The document addresses recurring activities, such as forestry and infrastructure projects, and provides details on the use of derogations—especially regarding Barnacle Goose and Great Cormorant populations, which have increased and caused conflicts with agriculture and fisheries. While non-binding, the guidance aims to ensure consistent application across the EU and reduce administrative burden. The guidance will be translated into all EU languages before formal adoption.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Crisis distillation measure adopted for French wine sector
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/744 of 31 March 2026 introduces a temporary exceptional crisis distillation measure to address market disturbances in the French wine sector for marketing year 2025/2026. The regulation provides €40 million in Union support for the distillation of surplus red and rosé wines. Beneficiaries include wine enterprises, producer organisations, cooperatives, and distillers, with compensation capped at €33 per hectolitre. The alcohol produced must be used for industrial or energy purposes. Payments must be completed by 31 December 2026.
Coordinated three-year pesticide residue control programme adopted
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/748 of 31 March 2026 sets the Union's coordinated multiannual control programme for 2027–2029 to ensure compliance with maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides in food of plant and animal origin. Member States will sample and analyse products as detailed in Annex I. Results must be submitted to EFSA by 31 August each year. The regulation repeals Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/854.
Commission Regulation amends MRLs for cyflufenamid, fenazaquin, and nicotine
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/742 of 30 March 2026 amends Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, updating MRLs for cyflufenamid in parsley, berries, and small fruits; for fenazaquin in peppers, tomatoes, and aubergines; and extends the temporary MRL for nicotine in tea at 0.5 mg/kg until 22 February 2030. The changes reflect recent EFSA assessments.
Foot and mouth disease: updated emergency measures for Cyprus
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/782 of 27 March 2026 amends emergency measures related to foot and mouth disease in Cyprus. The Decision prohibits movement of susceptible species from the further restricted zone and establishes a vaccination zone in line with the national vaccination plan. The measures reflect updated epidemiological data and include adjustments to the duration and geography of restriction zones.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza: new protection zones in Czechia, Netherlands, Poland
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/783 of 27 March 2026 updates the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447, establishing and extending protection and surveillance zones in Czechia, the Netherlands, and Poland following new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The Decision also extends the duration of existing restrictions in Germany, Poland, and Northern Ireland.
Commission Regulation corrects MRLs for flupyradifurone and potassium phosphonate
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/751 of 31 March 2026 corrects Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 regarding maximum residue levels for flupyradifurone and potassium phosphonate due to earlier inconsistencies in application dates. The corrections clarify applicable MRLs for specified products.
Two genetically modified maize authorisations revoked
Commission Implementing Decisions (EU) 2026/739 and 2026/738 of 27 March 2026 revoke the authorisations for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize MON 87419 and MON 87403, respectively. The authorisation holder requested the revocation, stating no intention to commercialise these varieties.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
New basic and low-risk substances added to MRL exemption list
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/752 of 31 March 2026 amends Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, adding Allium fistulosum, processed; lysate of Willaertia magna; magnesium hydroxide E528; Onobrychis viciifolia (sainfoin) dried pellets; and Vitis vinifera L. seed extract to the list of substances exempt from MRLs.
Commission approves new active substance bixlozone for plant protection
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/747 of 31 March 2026 approves bixlozone as an active substance under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, with conditions including limits on impurities and confirmatory data requirements. Bixlozone will be added to the list of approved active substances in Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011.
Registration of 'Sapin de Noël du Morvan' (PGI) in Union GI register
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/756 of 24 March 2026 registers 'Sapin de Noël du Morvan' as a protected geographical indication (PGI) under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. No oppositions were received during the publication period.
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council discusses Vision for Agriculture and Food, trade, and market situation
On 30 March 2026, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council reviewed the first year of the EU Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food. Ministers discussed generational renewal, simplification of CAP, crisis management tools, and the impact of ongoing geopolitical challenges on food supply chains. Trade-related agricultural issues were considered, with Member States supporting safeguard measures in trade agreements and calling for stricter controls on products with substances banned in the EU. The Council also addressed the need for a larger crisis management fund and measures to reduce production costs, especially regarding fertilisers and energy. In fisheries, ministers debated the energy transition and adopted a decision amending fishing opportunities for North-East Atlantic mackerel.
EP Committee Work
DRAFT OPINION: Budget tracking for Union programmes and activities
On 31 March 2026, the AGRI Committee (rapporteur: Maria Noichl) published a draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing a budget expenditure tracking and performance framework for Union programmes and activities. The opinion addresses horizontal rules applicable to agricultural and rural policy funding.
DRAFT OPINION: European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural development 2028–2034
On 30 March 2026, the ECON Committee (rapporteur: Thomas Bajada) 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 opinion relates to the draft legislative proposal’s impact on agriculture and rural areas.
What We're Reading This Week
- Rada ds. Rolnictwa i Rybołówstwa, 30 marca 2026: EU agriculture and fisheries ministers meet to discuss future policy directions and address sector challenges on March 30, 2026.
- EU Business & Biodiversity platform: European businesses collaborate with policymakers to integrate biodiversity goals into corporate strategies and promote nature-positive economic growth.
- HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-09: Sustainable and healthy diets for cardiovascular diseases prevention with the support of digital applications, Coordinator/Partner: European research seeks to harness digital tools to promote sustainable diets aimed at preventing cardiovascular diseases.
- Italy, Spain want stronger rice safeguards in GSP deal: Italy and Spain are urging the EU to implement tougher protections for their rice sectors in trade preference negotiations.
- Former EU Commissioner Schinas to replace ousted Greek farm minister: Margaritis Schinas is set to become Greece's new farm minister following the previous minister's removal from office.
