This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#22, 2026)
Commission proposes €540m fertiliser support; ten new GIs registered; new import health and controls regulations; EU adopts non-approval for Capsicum oleoresin; MFF and agri budget negotiations advance.
June 07, 2026 to June 13, 2026
Commission proposes €540m fertiliser support; ten new GIs registered; new import health and controls regulations; EU adopts non-approval for Capsicum oleoresin; MFF and agri budget negotiations advance.
📋 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 the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 15, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Decision (EU) 2015/1814 as regards the market stability reserve for the buildings, road transport and additional sector; Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures; Amending Regulations (EU) 2016/679, (EU) 2016/1036, (EU) 2016/1037, (EU) 2017/1129, (EU) 2023/1542 and (EU) 2024/573 as regards the extension of certain mitigating measures available for small and medium sized enterprises to small mid-cap enterprises and further simplification measures.
European Commission
Commission proposes €540 million in financial relief and additional supports for farmers amid fertiliser cost surge
On 11 June, the European Commission announced a package of measures to address rising fertiliser costs, presenting a relief package totalling €540 million for Member States, which could be topped up with national contributions to reach a potential €1.5 billion. The proposal delivers on the Fertiliser Action Plan and responds to persisting geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions affecting the fertiliser market. This support aims to safeguard upcoming harvests and farm incomes by introducing an enhanced liquidity scheme under the CAP and enabling earlier and more flexible direct payments. Member States would also be allowed to adjust payment budgets for calendar year 2027 and co-finance crisis support up to 200% of national funds. The proposed amendments now move to the European Parliament and the Council for approval, with a view to adoption by the end of July 2026. Commissioner Christophe Hansen stated that the measures aim to support farmers' cash flow and ensure food security, urging swift action by co-legislators.
Commission presents first dedicated EU strategies for islands and coastal communities
On 9 June, the Commission adopted strategies tailored to the needs of the EU’s 4,000 islands and extensive coastal regions, integrating economic, connectivity, energy, environmental, and demographic priorities. The island strategy focuses on economic development, climate resilience, public services, and disaster preparedness. The coastal communities strategy centres on boosting the blue economy, supporting bio-based innovation, climate adaptation, and a certification mechanism for blue carbon credits. These strategies, involving ongoing dialogue with Member States through Partnership Plans, aim to ensure coherence with broader EU policies and respond to local challenges including depopulation, investment, and environmental pressures. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and Commissioner Costas Kadis presented the new framework as part of strengthening the EU Ocean Pact.
Commission publishes Q&A on Draft Annual Budget 2027; confirms agri-food remains core priority
On 9 June, the Commission released a structured overview of its Draft Annual Budget for 2027, allocating €54 billion for the Common Agricultural Policy and €0.8 billion for the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. The budget maintains strong support for agriculture and rural areas amid increased payments (total €212 billion for all headings, up 7% from 2026) and outlines mechanisms for crisis management, including via the agricultural reserve. The draft also clarifies new funding for flagship programmes and the Ukraine Facility while noting that increased defence spending does not reduce allocations for agriculture or cohesion policy. This is the final annual budget under the 2021–2027 MFF and negotiations on the post-2027 framework are ongoing.
Commission issues Q&A: EU-ESA enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement covers agricultural exports, GIs, and food safety
On 9 June, the Commission detailed the new agreement with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles, expanding on-duty-free, quota-free agricultural exports, geographical indications, intellectual property rights, and sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The interim EPA now grants full reciprocal market access for services and investment, extends GI protection (including for Mauritius rum and sugar, plus 135 EU GIs), and contains enforceable sustainability and labour commitments. The EU affirms that the agreement does not alter its food safety standards and preserves the right to regulatory control. Implementation will be accompanied by technical assistance and capacity building reflecting the region’s development needs.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1234 authorises vermiculite as a feed additive for specified poultry categories
Regulation (EU) 2026/1234 of 11 June 2026 allows vermiculite use as a technological additive (anticaking agent) for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying or reproduction, and hens, following EFSA's safety and efficacy assessment. The authorisation includes user safety measures due to its status as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. The measure enters into force 20 days after publication.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1305 amends import rules for bivalve molluscs and related products from the US
Regulation (EU) 2026/1305 of 11 June 2026 updates certification requirements for US exports of bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates, and marine gastropods for human consumption. The amendments reflect new EU rules on veterinary medicinal product residues and antimicrobial use. Transitional arrangements permit previous certificates for shipments dispatched before 3 September 2026.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1206 revises official controls and emergency measures for certain non-animal foods
Regulation (EU) 2026/1206 of 9 June 2026 intensifies controls and modifies testing frequencies for imports of high-risk food and feed from specified third countries. Updates target aflatoxins, pesticide residues, mycotoxins and Salmonella in products including groundnuts, aubergines, sugar apple, cumin seeds, and sesame-based foods. Some products, such as cinnamon from India, now face reduced control rates following improved compliance.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1209 confirms non-approval of Capsicum oleoresin as a basic substance for plant protection
Regulation (EU) 2026/1209 of 9 June 2026 formally rejects the approval of Capsicum oleoresin as a basic repellent substance under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 due to insufficient data on composition, potential genotoxicity, and gaps in exposure and environmental risk assessment. The applicant withdrew the request and may resubmit with additional evidence.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1271–1276 register ten new GIs and PDOs for agri-food products
Between 4–11 June, the Commission entered the following into the Union GI register under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143: 'Judión de La Granja' (ES), 'Patata de Valderredible' (ES), 'Peperoncino di Calabria' (IT), 'Pera del Bierzo' (ES), 'Trufa negra de Teruel' (ES), 'Zampina di Sammichele di Bari / Zampina di Sammichele / Zampina Sammichelina' (IT), 'Babic de Buzău' (RO), 'Simojärven muikku' (FI), 'Mothais sur feuille' (FR), and 'Äpplen från Äppledalen' (SE).
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council to discuss post-2027 CAP, fisheries policy, and market situation on 22 June
At its 22 June 2026 meeting, ministers are scheduled to address legislative proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027, assess the current EU agri-food market situation, and review sustainability under the Common Fisheries Policy.
EP Committee Work
CULT committee opinion on key 2028–2034 EU cohesion, agriculture, rural and fisheries fund
On 10 June, the CULT committee (rapporteur: Hélder Sousa Silva) adopted its opinion on the Commission’s proposal establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture, rural, fisheries and maritime prosperity and security for 2028–2034, amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. The opinion will inform plenary deliberations on future rural and agri funding instruments.
What We're Reading This Week
- EU will see food shortages without fertiliser solution, Hansen says: EU faces potential food shortages if urgent fertiliser strategies are not implemented, warns industry expert.
