This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#18, 2026)
Commission approves €1.5bn Spanish flood aid; new anti-dumping duties on Chinese chemical imports; GI 'Salemi' cancelled; animal disease prevention rules revised.
May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026
Commission approves €1.5bn Spanish flood aid; new anti-dumping duties on Chinese chemical imports; GI 'Salemi' cancelled; animal disease prevention rules revised.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
European Commission
Commission approves €1.5 billion Spanish State aid scheme for flood-affected farmers
The European Commission approved a €1.5 billion Spanish State aid scheme to support farmers impacted by severe floods in Andalusia and Extremadura from 10 November 2025 to 9 February 2026. The scheme, notified by Spain, will compensate for crop destruction, material damage, and increased operational costs affecting over 100,000 km². Aid will be disbursed as direct grants covering up to 100% of eligible costs, aiming to restore production capacity and prevent farm closures. The support is authorised under Article 107(2)(b) TFEU and the 2022 Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas. The Commission recognised the floods as a natural disaster and validated the direct causal link to the agricultural damage. The scheme will operate until 31 December 2026 (State aid case SA.122821).
Commission proposes updated EU Emissions Trading System benchmarks for consultation
The European Commission presented updated EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) benchmark values for 2026-2030, now subject to public and Member State consultation. The proposed benchmarks determine the allocation of free allowances for industry, maintaining coverage for indirect emissions from electricity and affecting 14 product benchmarks, with a projected financial impact of €4 billion over the period. The update, required under the ETS Directive, is part of a broader review of the EU ETS due in July 2026. The Commission plans to introduce sector-specific fallback benchmarks and is preparing a €30 billion ETS investment booster, as announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in March 2026. Adoption of the benchmarks is expected by the end of June following consultations.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Provisional anti-dumping duties imposed on Chinese alkyl phosphonic acids
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1045 of 12 May 2026 imposes a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of certain alkyl phosphonic acids and their sodium salts (including 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid) originating in China. The Regulation, based on findings under Regulation (EU) 2016/1036, identifies significant distortions in the Chinese market, with dumping margins ranging from 182.9% to 219.4%. The sole Union producer, Lanxess, was found to be materially injured by low-priced imports, resulting in declining market share and profitability. The duties apply to products under CN code 2931 49 80 and are effective following publication in the Official Journal (CELEX: 32026R1045).
Entry conditions for poultry imports from Canada and the US amended due to avian influenza outbreaks
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1088 of 12 May 2026 amends Annexes V and XIV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404. The changes update the lists of third countries, territories, or zones authorised for entry of poultry and germinal products into the EU, reflecting new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Canada and the United States in April 2026. The Regulation suspends entry from affected areas and re-authorises imports from previously restricted Canadian zones where disease control measures have been completed. The amendment takes effect immediately to protect EU animal health (CELEX: 32026R1088).
Commission cancels registration of 'Salemi' PGI
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1043 of 12 May 2026 cancels the registration of the protected geographical indication (PGI) 'Salemi'. The cancellation follows a request by Italy, published on 5 December 2025, and no oppositions were received within the period specified under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The name is removed from the Union register of geographical indications for agricultural products, wine, and spirit drinks, effective twenty days after publication (CELEX: 32026R1043).
Rules on veterinary medicinal products for animal disease prevention revised
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1073 of 6 March 2026 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/361, supplementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429, to update and clarify rules for using certain veterinary medicinal products in preventing and controlling listed animal diseases. The Regulation revises definitions, risk-mitigation measures, and disease-specific annexes for diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever, and avian influenza. It also adds new annexes and modifies procedures following recent scientific and field data, including provisions for emergency and preventive vaccination. The changes enter into force twenty days after publication (CELEX: 32026R1073).
Programme for exchange of Member State staff in official controls established
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1023 of 8 May 2026 establishes a programme for the exchange of staff of competent authorities responsible for official controls on animals and goods entering the Union. Under the framework of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, the programme aims to improve efficiency and consistency of controls, enhance cooperation, and share best practices among Member States. A European Union expert pool on import controls will be managed by the Commission, with participation open to national experts for a three-year period until 14 May 2029 (CELEX: 32026D1023).
EU Council
Upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council to address fertiliser availability and trade
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet on 26 May 2026. Ministers are scheduled to exchange views on the availability and affordability of fertilisers in the EU and to discuss trade-related agricultural topics.
EP Committee Work
Draft report on EU Fund for economic, social, territorial cohesion, agriculture, and rural development (2028-2034)
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) published a draft report 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. Rapporteur: Andrey Novakov. The report also proposes amendments to Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
Draft report on generational renewal in agriculture
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) released a draft report on generational renewal in agriculture. Rapporteur: Maria Walsh. The report addresses policy measures and challenges related to encouraging young farmers and supporting generational change in the agricultural sector.
