This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#23, 2026)
Political agreement reached on plant reproductive material regulation; major changes to pesticide residue MRLs; new measures for animal disease outbreaks; new state aid for Irish agriculture; EU approves amendments to International Cocoa Agreement.
June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026
Political agreement reached on plant reproductive material regulation; major changes to pesticide residue MRLs; new measures for animal disease outbreaks; new state aid for Irish agriculture; EU approves amendments to International Cocoa Agreement.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Agriculture and Fisheries Council: On June 22, the EU Council's Agriculture and Fisheries Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 22, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: ------; Amending Regulations (EC) No 1272/2008, (EC) No 1223/2009 and (EU) 2019/1009 as regards simplification of certain requirements and procedures for chemical products; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on International Trade (INTA): On June 22, the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards the extension of its scope to downstream goods and anti-circumvention measures; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on International Trade (INTA): On June 22, the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Ukraine Support Loan Dialogue - Exchange of views with the Commission.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; *** End of electronic vote ***.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: ------; Amending Regulations (EC) No 1272/2008, (EC) No 1223/2009 and (EU) 2019/1009 as regards simplification of certain requirements and procedures for chemical products; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Exchange of views with Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, on 'The European Ocean Pact, one year after the UN Ocean Conference'.
- Committee on International Trade (INTA): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part; Date of next meetings.
- Committee on International Trade (INTA): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards the extension of its scope to downstream goods and anti-circumvention measures; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI): On June 25, the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Regulations (EC) No 1907/2006, (EC) No 1272/2008, (EU) No 528/2012, (EU) 2019/1021 and (EU) 2021/697 as regards defence readiness and facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry; Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***.
European Commission
Commission welcomes political agreement on revision of plant reproductive material rules
The European Commission welcomed the political agreement reached on 15 June 2026 between the Council and European Parliament covering the revision and simplification of EU rules for plant reproductive material. The new Regulation will consolidate multiple directives into single legislation, establishing requirements for the placing of seeds and other plant material on the EU market. The rules maintain existing procedures for assessment and certification, while introducing new derogations to facilitate entry by diverse producers and increase availability for non-professional users and conservation purposes. The revision aims to ensure high product quality and supports innovation, digitalisation and conservation of plant genetic resources. The Commission announced that the Regulation must now be formally adopted and will take effect four years after entry into force.
Commission approves €85 million Irish State aid for agricultural companies facing increased fuel prices
On 16 June 2026, the Commission approved an €85 million Irish State aid scheme to support agricultural companies impacted by fuel price increases linked to the Middle East crisis. The scheme, notified under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted 29 April 2026, will provide direct grants up to €0.20 per litre of fuel purchased between March and July 2026. The measure was assessed under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and sections 1 and 2.1 of METSAF. The scheme will be available through 31 December 2026 and is designed to temporarily support the development of primary production agricultural businesses without adversely impacting trade to an extent contrary to the common interest.
Commission greenlights Bulgaria's fourth payment request under NextGenerationEU
The European Commission on 18 June 2026 approved Bulgaria's fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), noting completion of 23 of 26 milestones and targets. The request is linked to reforms and investments in anti-corruption, vocational training, energy efficiency in buildings, renewable energy, and agriculture. One milestone related to water supply legislation and one target for the cultural sector remain pending, with Bulgaria granted time until the end of August 2026 to fulfil outstanding commitments. Further payment will follow a positive opinion from the Economic and Financial Committee and adoption of a formal payment decision by the Commission.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1314 amends maximum residue levels for several agricultural chemicals
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1314 of 15 June 2026 amends Annexes II, III, and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, adjusting maximum residue levels (MRLs) for 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene, chlormequat, metribuzin, metribuzin-DADK, terbuthylazine, and triclopyr. The changes involve updates based on new scientific evidence, extension or reduction of temporary MRLs, and harmonisation of testing protocols. The regulation enters into force twenty days after publication and applies from 6 January 2027, with continued applicability to products placed on the market prior to this date.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1339 corrects MRLs for fenpyrazamine
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1339 of 17 June 2026 corrects Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 regarding maximum residue levels for fenpyrazamine. The adjustment addresses a clerical error in the chronological sequence of previous regulations, restoring the intended MRLs for several plant commodities. The correction, binding across Member States, will enter into force three days after publication.
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1243 sets updated feed monitoring guidance for ergot alkaloids
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1243 of 11 June 2026 replaces earlier guidance, recommending Member States and feed business operators monitor ergot alkaloids in feed. The recommendation specifies analytical targets, including ergometrine, ergotamine, ergosine, ergocristine, ergocryptine, ergocornine and epimers, plus relevant alkaloids for imported feed. Recommended methods include LC-MS/MS with limits of quantification below 5 μg/kg. Data submission to EFSA is encouraged by 30 June 2028.
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1241 on monitoring quinolizidine alkaloids in lupins and lupin-derived food
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1241 of 11 June 2026 calls on Member States and food business operators to monitor quinolizidine alkaloids in lupins and processed foods, as well as milk and food of animal origin from lupin-fed livestock. Recommended analytes and sampling methods are specified, and annual data submission to EFSA is requested for consolidated public reporting.
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1307 on monitoring PFAS in feed
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1307 of 11 June 2026 advises monitoring perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—including PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS—in feed until 2028. The guidance outlines feed types to monitor, recommended quantification limits, and specifies sampling methods in Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009. Results are to be submitted to EFSA by 30 June 2029.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1353 updates approval conditions for metalaxyl-M
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1353 of 15 June 2026 amends approval conditions for the active substance metalaxyl-M under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and related implementing acts. The adjustment revises impurity levels and removes the restriction limiting seed treatment to greenhouse sowing, subject to new criteria for seed sowing rate and precision drilling equipment per EFSA risk assessment.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1280 fixes adjustment rate for direct payments at 0% for 2026
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1280 of 12 June 2026 sets a 0% adjustment rate for direct payments pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 for calendar year 2026. This rate is subject to adaptation by 1 December 2026 in light of budgetary developments or changes in the agricultural reserve requirements.
European Parliament
Parliament gives final approval to new measures supporting farmers in the food supply chain
MEPs voted on 16 June 2026 to endorse new rules to enhance farmers' incomes and strengthen producer organisations within the food supply chain. The regulation reinforces contractual benchmarks, collective bargaining capacity, and labelling transparency for agricultural products, while introducing a definition for meat and reserving terms for meat products only. Special measures also target the dairy sector with mandatory contract requirements. The agreement requires Council approval before entering into force.
Deal reached on a stronger EU single market for plant reproductive material
Parliament and Council negotiators reached a preliminary agreement to replace ten directives with a unified Regulation for plant reproductive material (PRM), as announced 15 June 2026. The new framework will set modern standards, foster biodiversity, facilitate registration for conservation varieties, and enable more flexible arrangements for gene banks and small producers. Formal adoption will precede entry into force in four years.
EU Council
Council approves amendment to International Olive Oil Agreement
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1368 of 8 June 2026 approves, on behalf of the Union, the amendment of Article 36 of the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives, 2015.
Agriculture and Fisheries Council to discuss post-2027 CAP and current market situation
Agriculture ministers will debate the future of the Common Agricultural Policy beyond 2027 and address the present market situation at the meeting scheduled for 22 June 2026.
EP Committee Work
ENVI Committee recommendation for second reading: genomic techniques in plants
On 15 June 2026, the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) issued its recommendation for second reading on legislation governing plants obtained by new genomic techniques and related food and feed uses. Rapporteur Jessica Polfjärd presented amendments reflecting provisional agreement with Council, including a two-tier system for NGT plants, traceability requirements, and sustainability monitoring. Regulation (EU) 2017/625 is to be amended accordingly.
REGI Committee opinion: school fruit, vegetables, milk scheme and market intervention revision
The Committee on Regional Development (REGI) published its opinion on 17 June 2026 regarding proposed amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013. Rapporteur Valentina Palmisano examined sectoral interventions, creation of a protein sector, cheese, hemp, and meat marketing standards, and mechanisms for supply availability during emergencies.
ENVI Committee draft report: simplification of environmental directives and administrative burden reduction
On 16 June 2026, the ENVI Committee's rapporteur Susana Solís Pérez released a draft report proposing amendments to Directives 2008/98/EC, 2010/75/EU, 2015/2193, and 2024/1785 to streamline requirements and lower administrative complexity. The draft addresses waste management, industrial emissions, and pollution prevention.
What We're Reading This Week
- European Parliament greenlights new generation of GMOs: EU lawmakers approve updated regulations paving the way for broader use and development of next-generation genetically modified organisms.
- European Parliament's approval of new GMOs marks turning point for agriculture sector: EU lawmakers pave way for expanded use of gene-edited crops, signaling major shifts in agricultural innovation and regulation.
