This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#20, 2026)
Council suspends customs duties on fertiliser imports; Commission approves €500m Spanish and €15m French State aid for agri-food; new plant protection product labelling rules; major feed additive authorisations.
May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026
Council suspends customs duties on fertiliser imports; Commission approves €500m Spanish and €15m French State aid for agri-food; new plant protection product labelling rules; major feed additive authorisations.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission approves €500 million Spanish State aid for agricultural companies facing increased fertiliser prices
On 27 May 2026, the European Commission approved a €500 million Spanish State aid scheme to support agricultural companies impacted by increased fertiliser prices, under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted on 29 April 2026. The scheme, case SA.122723, will run until 31 December 2026 and provides direct grants covering up to 70% of additional fertiliser costs. Aid is set at €22 per hectare for dryland and €55 per hectare for irrigated land, up to 300 hectares per beneficiary. The Commission assessed the measure under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and found it proportionate and in line with METSAF. The scheme is intended to ensure business continuity for companies in primary agricultural production affected by the crisis.
Commission unconditionally approves Arla's acquisition of DMK and DOC
On 27 May 2026, the Commission approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, Arla Foods amba's acquisition of Deutsches Milchkontor eG (DMK) and Drents Overijsselse Coöperatie Kaas U.A. (DOC). The Commission’s investigation considered raw milk procurement and supply of dairy products in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden. The analysis concluded the transaction (case M.12115) would not significantly reduce competition, due to Arla's cooperative structure and continued presence of alternative suppliers. The Commission found no negative impact on farmers’ milk prices or retailers’ bargaining positions.
Commission approves €15 million French State aid for agricultural and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices
On 27 May 2026, the Commission approved a €15 million French State aid scheme for agricultural and aquaculture companies affected by surging non-road diesel (GNR) prices, under the METSAF. The scheme, case SA.123240, covers up to 70% of additional costs via direct grants of €0.0386 per litre purchased in April 2026 and is valid until 31 December 2026. The Commission, applying Article 107(3)(c) TFEU, found the measure proportionate and necessary for supporting primary production sectors under current market conditions.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1181 suspending Common Customs Tariff duties and opening tariff quotas for certain fertilisers
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1181 of 22 May 2026 suspends Common Customs Tariff duties under Article 56(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 for imports of ammonia, urea, and nitrogen-based fertilisers up to specified annual quotas. The measure excludes imports originating from Russia and Belarus and applies until 31 May 2027. The regulation aims to address supply pressures and high input costs in the EU fertiliser market, referencing recent production and import trends. The quotas are managed according to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1123: New labelling requirements for plant protection products
On 26 May 2026, Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1123 established new labelling requirements for plant protection products, repealing Regulation (EU) No 547/2011. From 1 January 2028, labels must include both physical and digital formats, enhanced safety phrases, and additional information on safeners and synergists. The regulation aligns with changes to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and introduces digital access to labelling and new provisions for parallel trade.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1120: Twelve co-formulants banned in plant protection products
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1120 of 26 May 2026 amends Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 by adding 12 co-formulants not accepted for use in plant protection products, based on PBT, vPvB, carcinogenic or mutagenic properties, or POP status. Member States must withdraw related authorisations by 16 June 2028.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1124: Suspension of inward processing arrangements for raw cane sugar
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1124 of 26 May 2026 suspends inward processing arrangements for raw cane sugar (CN codes 1701 13 90 and 1701 14 90) used to produce white sugar (CN 1701 99 10) until 27 May 2027. This measure responds to increased imports under inward processing and market disturbances, with a 30-day transition for existing authorisations.
Regulation (EU) 2026/1165: Extension of certain data protection periods for biocidal products
Regulation (EU) 2026/1165 of 20 May 2026 amends Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, extending data protection periods for active substance/product-type combinations in the review programme where decisions were not adopted by 7 June 2018. The new expiry is 31 December 2030, addressing delays in the evaluation process.
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council discusses fertiliser availability and trade issues
On 26 May 2026, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council exchanged views on fertiliser availability, affordability, and the Commission's fertiliser action plan, alongside trade-related agricultural topics.
EP Committee Work
DRAFT OPINION: AGRI Committee on the EU general budget 2027
On 27 May 2026, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) published a draft opinion on the EU general budget 2027. Rapporteur: Wouter Beke. The document reviews resource allocation across all sections relevant to agriculture.
CONT Committee delegation reviews agricultural spending and audits in Greece
On 28 May 2026, a Budgetary Control (CONT) committee delegation, led by Tomáš Zdechovský (EPP, CZ), concluded a fact-finding visit to Greece. Meetings were held with rural development and food authorities, agricultural payment officials, and sector stakeholders. The delegation noted commitments to reform agricultural payments and improve governance following identified weaknesses.
PETI Committee concludes fact-finding visit to Guadeloupe and Saint Martin on sargassum influxes and dock dues
On 28 May 2026, the Committee on Petitions (PETI), led by Chair Bogdan Rzońca (ECR, Poland), completed a fact-finding visit examining environmental and fiscal challenges in Guadeloupe and Saint Martin. The delegation investigated sargassum influx management and the "octroi de mer" dock dues system, gathering input from local authorities and stakeholders.
What We're Reading This Week
- E’ il foodtech la ricetta per il cibo del XXI secolo: Innovative foodtech solutions are transforming food production and consumption to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
- Raquel Chan, the renowned Argentine scientist who created drought-tolerant seeds: ‘GMOs have become a dirty word’: Raquel Chan highlights the stigma surrounding GMOs despite their potential to address agricultural challenges like drought.
- Brussels won’t subsidize companies linked to Babiš over conflict of interest concerns: EU funding is being withheld from firms tied to Babiš amid unresolved conflict of interest investigations.
