This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#17, 2026)
Deforestation Regulation simplification package; New animal feed additives authorised; Emergency measures for animal diseases in Greece and Romania; Forest reproductive material regulation advances.
May 03, 2026 to May 09, 2026
Deforestation Regulation simplification package; New animal feed additives authorised; Emergency measures for animal diseases in Greece and Romania; Forest reproductive material regulation advances.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission reviews implementation and simplification of EU Deforestation Regulation
On 3 May 2026, the European Commission published a review and package of simplification measures to support the revised EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), set to apply from 30 December 2026. The measures include a report to Parliament and Council, updated guidance, a draft delegated act on product scope, and an updated implementing act on the EUDR Information System. The package addresses clarifications for economic operators, downstream supply chain obligations, and a simplified regime for micro and small primary operators. Proposed amendments to the product scope add certain downstream products such as soluble coffee and some palm oil derivatives, while excluding others like leather and used products. The draft delegated act is open for public feedback until 1 June 2026. The Commission has worked with Member States to facilitate harmonised enforcement and reduce compliance costs by an estimated 75%.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
New feed additives authorised for animal nutrition
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1012 of 7 May 2026 authorises L-cysteine, L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate, and L-cysteine hydrochloride as sensory additives (flavouring compounds) in animal feed (CELEX: 32026R1012). The substances are authorised for all animal species, with labelling requirements where recommended maximum content is exceeded. Use in water for drinking is not permitted for flavouring purposes.
Forest reproductive material: Council position addressed in Parliament committee recommendation
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development issued a recommendation for second reading (PE787.674v02-00, 8 May 2026) on the Council position for a regulation on the production and marketing of forest reproductive material, amending Regulations (EU) 2016/2031 and 2017/625 and repealing Directive 1999/105/EC (FRM Regulation). Rapporteur: Herbert Dorfmann.
Emergency measures for sheep pox and goat pox in Romania
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1015 of 29 April 2026 sets interim emergency measures on sheep pox and goat pox in Romania following an outbreak reported on 24 April 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1015). Restricted zones and disease control measures are applied in accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687.
Emergency measures on foot and mouth disease in Greece updated
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1038 of 5 May 2026 amends Decision (EU) 2026/820, updating emergency measures and the delineation of restricted zones for foot and mouth disease in Lesvos, Greece (CELEX: 32026D1038). The update reflects recent outbreaks and adapts restricted zones to prevent disease spread.
Application for traditional speciality guaranteed rejected: Denizli Tandır Kebabı
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/999 of 5 May 2026 rejects the application for protection of ‘Denizli Tandır Kebabı’ as a traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG) under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 (CELEX: 32026D0999). The application did not meet requirements on product specification, producer group, or proof of traditional character in the EU.
Feed additives: Multiple new authorisations and renewals for animal nutrition
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1013 of 7 May 2026 authorises a preparation of 6-phytase produced with Aspergillus oryzae DSM 33737 for use in feed for poultry for laying or reproduction, piglets, and porcine species for fattening and reproduction (CELEX: 32026R1013). The regulation sets out conditions of use, safety, and labelling.
Correction to labelling requirements for L-arginine feed additive
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1011 of 7 May 2026 corrects Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1787 regarding labelling of premixtures containing L-arginine produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 80387 (CELEX: 32026R1011). The correction clarifies that only additives, not premixtures, require indication of the recommended maximum content.
EU Council
Agriculture ministers hold informal meeting
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council held an informal meeting on 3 May 2026. No official summary was published.
EP Committee Work
AGRI committee: generational renewal and regulatory issues in agriculture
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) met on 4-5 May 2026 to discuss generational renewal in agriculture (rapporteur: Maria Walsh, PPE), with a presentation of a comparative study on young farmers and a Commission presentation. The agenda also included regulatory harmonisation in the EU hemp sector, African swine fever, and a Commission exchange on the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure on food security.
ENVI committee: Rule 115 objection to pydiflumetofen approval
The Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) considered a draft motion for a resolution objecting to the draft Commission Implementing Regulation approving pydiflumetofen as a candidate for substitution under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. Co-authors include Christophe Clergeau (S&D), Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE), and Anja Hazekamp (The Left).
AGRI draft opinion: Directive on simplification and reduction of administrative burden
The AGRI committee published a draft opinion (PE787.938v02-00, rapporteur: Christine Singer) on the proposal to amend Directives 2008/98/EC, 2010/75/EU, 2015/2193, and 2024/1785, focusing on simplification and reduction of administrative burden in the agricultural sector.
AGRI committee opinion on European Competitiveness Fund
The AGRI committee adopted its opinion (PE782.312v02-00, rapporteur: Carlo Fidanza, ECR) on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), covering aspects relevant to agriculture in the context of broader EU competitiveness and innovation.
What We're Reading This Week
- Council Adopts Regulation on New Genomic Techniques: EU member states approve rules to enable the use of advanced genomic techniques in agriculture, aiming to boost innovation and sustainability.
- European Platform Life Cycle Assessment (EPLCA): EPLCA provides standardized tools and data to help European organizations assess and reduce the environmental impacts of their products.
- Strait of Hormuz crisis: Fertilizer scarcity will affect next harvests and food supplies, FAO warns: FAO warns that fertilizer shortages from the Strait of Hormuz crisis threaten global crop yields and food security.
- Is the EU authorising new GMOs? Telling fact from fiction: EU regulators clarify their stance on new GMO approvals amid ongoing debate and public confusion over biotechnology policy.
- MEP hits back at ‘fake’ octopus dish served in EU Parliament canteen: An MEP criticizes the EU Parliament canteen for serving a misleadingly labeled octopus dish, sparking debate over food authenticity.
